Africa-Press – Namibia. At least 79 houses will soon be constructed in Kuisebmund’s Extension 8, Walvis Bay, as part of the Informal Settlements Upgrading Affordable Housing Programme (ISUAHP).
The National Housing Enterprise (NHE), which is spearheading the programme, on Friday handed over the site to 16 local contractors for the construction of the houses at Walvis Bay.
ISUAHP is a government-led initiative that aims to upgrade informal settlements and provide affordable, serviced housing for low-income residents all over the country. NHE manager for infrastructure development Indileni Iipinge said the programme plays a crucial role in transforming living conditions in informal areas.
He said the programme is aligned with national goals to speed up affordable housing delivery.
It has already delivered homes in Swakopmund, where 73 plots were also handed over earlier this week.
“This is a significant milestone in Namibia’s informal settlement upgrading drive. Through ISUAHP, we are not only building houses but also creating jobs and empowering local contractors,” he said.
He noted that these interventions represent a combined investment of over N$31 million in Erongo region alone, where housing in towns such as Walvis Bay and Swakopmund is a huge challenge.
“Hence, we are laying the foundation for dignified communities and ensuring more Namibians have access to decent shelter,” he said.
Iipinge stated that the NHE project is currently also servicing a piece of land in Walvis Bay that will yield 151 erven. “Phase one will yield 67 erven at a cost of N$19.7 million. This development will pave the way for future housing for low- to middle-income households,” he said.
Acting regional manager for NHE Western region Benjamin Shikulo said the list of beneficiaries for the new houses will come directly from the Walvis Bay municipality. “With this programme, we aim to decongest backyard structures in Kuisebmund. We want to remove the ghettos from backyards and allocate those residents proper houses,” he said.
He added that those on the NHE waiting list will still be catered to through the land that NHE is servicing in Walvis Bay.
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