NHE CEO introduces informal settlement housing projects

In a significant development aimed at addressing Namibia’s housing challenges, the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) CEO, Donald Tjikune, unveiled several ambitious construction projects during a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremony held in Swakopmund recently.

The CEO commenced his speech by emphasizing the distinction between a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a MoA, highlighting the importance of precise terminology in governmental collaborations.

He underscored the significance of the 30th anniversary of the agreement and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership between NHE and local authorities.

Tjikune continued to elaborate on NHE’s commitment to complementing rather than competing with other government institutions. He outlined NHE’s collaboration with the City of Windhoek on an innovative informal settlement upgrading project, together with the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, which funded the pilot project.

“This initiative aims to provide affordable housing options to address the housing needs of marginalized communities,” he mentioned.

The project allows members of the public with shacks on their registered plots to apply for the Informal Settlement Upgrading Housing initiative. The shacks on these premises will be completely demolished before NHE commences with the construction process.

The public is advised to be in possession of a title deed or lease agreement with the local authority, a certified copy of ID, the latest pay slips or proof of income, the latest municipal account, and a co-dependent applicant.

During the signing ceremony of the MoA, the CEO announced that this particular project will be introduced in the coastal town of Swakopmund, followed by Otjiwarongo and Oshakati.

Consequently, the initiative is divided to cater to different income brackets with tailored housing solutions.

The Ultra-Ultra-Low-Cost Houses (UUL) are aimed at those earning N$3 000 monthly and below, including domestic workers, vendors, and construction workers.

Ultra-Low-Cost Houses (ULC) targets earners between N$3 000 and N$5 000, including cleaners, gardeners, and artisans.

While the estimated prices for Informal Settlement Upgrading Houses (ISUP) are as follows: Bachelor unit: N$90 000; one bedroom: N$110 000; two bedrooms: N$180 000; and a three-bedroom: N$250 000.

Swakopmund Mayor, Dina Namubes, said: “Today marks not just the beginning of a construction project but the dawn of a new era of collaboration and possibility. Let us seize this moment to build not just houses but futures for all Namibians.”

According to the council, last year, 805 residents from the DRC settlement in Swakopmund received erven as donations from the municipality. These residents were thus given authority to construct brick structures and apply for electrical connections with Erongo Red.

The recent MoA between the council and NHE, which is fully funded by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, will assist residents who earn as little as N$3 000 or less to construct homes with the assistance of NHE. The land donated in 2023 was serviced with central government funds.

In addition to affordability, the CEO emphasized NHE’s commitment to quality assurance in construction projects. He outlined severe processes implemented to ensure the durability and safety of housing structures, with the executive for infrastructure slated to provide further details.

As stakeholders gathered to witness the signing of the MoA, the ceremony marked a pivotal moment in Namibia’s journey towards inclusive and sustainable development, with NHE leading the charge in transforming housing accessibility for all citizens.

According to the context of the MoA, the parties will agree on an annual basis on projects to be implemented and develop work schedules in accordance with such agreed projects.

“The technocrats for the respective parties shall meet regularly, by rotation, to deliberate, implement, and review progress on matters agreed upon from time to time.”