By: Josefina Lukas

 

Minister of Urban and Rural Development Ersatus Uutoni says the government is consulting a wide range of experts to improve the Rent Control Bill which is expected to be introduced in parliament.

Uutoni was responding to questions posed by Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) parliamentarian Maximilliant Katjimune in the National Assembly who accused the government of deliberately delaying the tabling of the Bill in parliament.

Katjimune questioned the reasons behind the delay in submitting this significant piece of legislation for parliamentary discussion, which is intended to provide relief to renters nationwide. He also drew attention to the widening income-land price disparity in urban areas, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive housing policies and programs that can offer sustainable and affordable housing options to Namibia’s working class.

Uutoni said there is no justification for the government to drag its feet in submitting the law to parliament, as has been alleged by Katjimune.

He emphasised the need to strike a delicate balance between constitutional provisions regarding property rights and addressing other public interests and challenges through the proposed legislation.

He also mentioned that the ministry is seeking legal guidance from the office of the Attorney General to ensure the bill’s compliance with legal principles.

The primary objective of the rent control law is to establish the Rent Control Board, aimed at alleviating the burden on renters by regulating rental costs and addressing tenant grievances across the country.

Notably, the Rent Control Board of Namibia was initially established in 2018 under the leadership of the former Minister of Industrialization, Trade, and SME Development, Tjekero Tweya.

The Rent Control Board consists of 25 members, with branches in Oshakati (Oshana region), Rundu (Kavango East region), Walvis Bay and Swakopmund (Erongo), and Windhoek (Khomas region), each with five board members.

In response to concerns raised by Katjimune about delays in presenting the law to parliament, Minister Uutoni asserted that all laws undergo rigorous review and input processes during drafting before being submitted to the National Assembly.

He assured that the law would be introduced in parliament once the expert team has completed its draft review.

Uutoni called for patience from both parliament and the general public, emphasising the meticulous scrutiny being conducted by the team of experts.

He stated, “The team of experts is diligently examining the draft bill, which is expected to be presented to relevant bodies before it is tabled in this August House.”