Africa-Press – Namibia. Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses has issued a firm directive to contractors implementing the 200-unit farm 37 proper housing project at Walvis Bay, setting a strict September 2025 deadline for completion and handover.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, /Goagoses said the project was not merely about construction but about restoring dignity to residents living in overcrowded informal settlements.
She said contractors must employ local labourers, particularly unskilled and semi-skilled workers from farm 37, to ensure the development benefits the community.
The governor warned that no advance payments would be made and demanded strict accountability from municipal technocrats and inspectors.
“I will not tolerate a situation where a contractor abandons the site after receiving money. Every penny of taxpayers’ money must be used for its intended purpose.
“No inflated prices, no shortcuts, this project is meant to give houses to our residents,” she said.
/Goagoses said decent housing remains a national priority, with the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development allocating N$600 million for housing initiatives in 2025/26.
Of this, N$75 million has been committed to phase 1 of the farm 37 project, while the Municipality of Walvis Bay is contributing an additional N$6 million.
“This project is not just a collection of homes; it will become a hub of opportunity, green spaces, and essential amenities to uplift the quality of life for residents,” she said.
Farm 37, also known as Green Valley, was earmarked to decongest informal settlements such as Kuisebmond and Narraville.
Under the national mass informal settlements upgrading programme, phase 1 will deliver 200 houses along with essential bulk infrastructure such as water, sewerage, and roads.
Backing the governor’s sentiments, deputy mayor Saara Mutondoka described the initiative as a crucial step in addressing Walvis Bay’s housing backlog of over 20 000 units.
She said the council is mandated to build 1 250 houses for low-income residents and urged stakeholders to view the project as a social development initiative rather than a profit-driven venture.
“We are building not just houses, but homes and futures. This is also a crucial step in addressing Walvis Bay’s housing backlog and the effects of rural-urban migration,” Mutondoka said.
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