Yesterday, the Namibia Housing Enterprise (NHE) under the National Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme handed over 82 houses to beneficiaries in Swakopmund’s DRC Informal Settlement. Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, who, on behalf of minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa, gave the keynote address stating that “there had been a sharp increase in the... The post 82 beneficiaries get NHE houses appeared first on New Era .
Yesterday, the Namibia Housing Enterprise (NHE) under the National Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme handed over 82 houses to beneficiaries in Swakopmund’s DRC Informal Settlement.
Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, who, on behalf of minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa, gave the keynote address stating that “there had been a sharp increase in the number of people living in informal settlements, with the 2023 population census estimating over 200 000 households in the informal settlements.
“This is a 192% increase from the 2011 population census, and I am sure the number has increased again in the last three years,” she said. The overall housing backlog in Namibia has already exceeded 270 000 units, a clear sign that the country is faced with a serious emergency. The Informal Settlements Baseline Report revealed that there are over 400 informal settlements in the country, the majority of which have no access to basic services.
“It is for this reason that government has taken a decisive and deliberate intervention to roll out a national programme of formalising informal settlements through different role players like the NHE and municipalities.”
“We have urged all local authorities to identify informal settlements for this purpose so that people can be moved from shacks to decent houses at a cost that is affordable to low-income earners,” she said.
82 families out of shacks
She added that the 82 houses for handing over are still far from what they want to deliver.
“This is especially true considering that the DRC informal settlement is home to thousands of inhabitants. But having taken 82 families out of the shacks is a commendable endeavour. This programme is making an impact on the housing sector and has the capacity to significantly transform our informal settlements.”
“I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the contractors who worked alongside the NHE to deliver these houses. Your contribution demonstrates what can be achieved when government, public institutions and the private sector work together towards a common national objective,” she said.
“Housing remains one of the most pressing developmental challenges facing our country, and the government has actively engaged the NHE, local authorities and the private sector to identify innovative approaches capable of accelerating housing delivery while reducing the financial burden on the state.”
Private sector-led housing
“It is within this context that government has recently endorsed an ambitious private-sector-led housing programme aimed at facilitating the delivery of more than 100 000 affordable houses across Namibia, with the selling price of qualifying houses capped at N$400 000.
“What makes this initiative particularly significant is that it is designed to be self-funded, without requiring direct government funding for the construction of the houses.
“Under the proposed model, the NHE will be positioned as a strategic off-taker, enabling qualifying beneficiaries to acquire houses through conventional mortgage financing, while also expanding rent-to-own opportunities for those Namibians who are presently unable to qualify for traditional mortgages.”
!Nawases-Taeyele added that this is precisely the type of partnership Namibia requires if the country is to address the housing backlog at the scale and speed demanded by its people.
“Government alone cannot solve the housing challenge. We must mobilise the capacity, capital and innovation of the private sector while using institutions such as NHE and our local authorities to ensure that affordable housing reaches the people who need it most,” she added.
“I therefore wish to use this opportunity to call upon local authorities, including the Municipality of Swakopmund, to embrace and actively support credible housing initiatives of this nature. Land must be made available, approval processes must be efficient, and unnecessary administrative barriers must be removed.
“Where responsible private capital is available to build affordable houses for our people, our institutions must become facilitators of development rather than obstacles to it.
“Our collective responsibility is to ensure that land is opened up, houses are built, financing mechanisms are broadened, and more Namibian families are given the dignity and security of a place they can call home.
“The housing challenge is significant, but it is not insurmountable. Through partnership, innovation and decisive implementation, we can transform Namibia from a nation confronted by a housing backlog into a nation of homeowners.”
Economic opportunities needed
She also emphasised that improving the standard of living for informal settlement households requires a holistic economic development approach, where people are empowered to take charge of their own livelihoods.
“Whatever we do to formalise informal settlements here in Swakopmund is only sustainable if there is growth in Swakopmund’s local economy.
“I am therefore calling on the leadership to harness existing resources and capitalise on economic activities of the town to create opportunities for the people of Swakopmund.
“The municipality should deliberately channel resources to support the informal economy. The more people exploit income-generating opportunities, the more people can afford the transformation from shacks to decent housing.
“I want to also appreciate the contractors who have been involved in the construction of houses on this programme.
“This is a special programme where we expect contractors to only make a minimal profit margin as a way of working with the government to address a problem that affects all of us in one way or the other.”
**NHE pride **
The CEO OF NHE, Gisbertus Mukulu, said they are happy to have made a difference in the lives of the people they serve.
“Thank you, Swakopmund Municipality, for entrusting us with the critical responsibility of creating decent shelter for your residents.
“With the able leadership of our councillors, CEO and the entire technical team, the NHE is able to deliver with ease.”
Housing development cornerstone
Additionally, the deputy chairperson of the NHE board, Hasting Tjpueja, said housing is a fundamental cornerstone of social and economic development.
“A decent home provides stability for families, creates a conducive environment for children to learn and thrive, improves health outcomes, and contributes to safer and more resilient communities.
“The NHE, therefore, being the competent arm of the government tasked to provide affordable housing to Namibians, will continue to explore sustainable housing solutions to ensure that deserving citizens are housed adequately.
“The socio-economic impact of housing, particularly for low-income households, cannot be overstated. Access to decent and affordable housing provides families with security of tenure, protects them from harsh environmental conditions, and reduces the vulnerability often associated with informal living conditions,” he said.
By targeting ultra-low to low-income earners, this project is not only addressing housing needs but is also contributing to poverty reduction, economic inclusion, and the empowerment of Namibian families.
Through initiatives such as this, NHE continues to support the national vision of building sustainable communities and ensuring that no Namibian is left behind in the country’s development journey.
N$18 million project
“This project, which commenced in October 2025, consists of different housing typologies designed to accommodate varying household needs and income levels.
“The most pleasing aspect is the affordability, where some of these beneficiaries have monthly repayments of approximately N$500, which is indeed commendable.
“As NHE, we are particularly proud that this project was implemented through the participation of 19 contractors, contributing not only to housing delivery but also to economic empowerment and the strengthening of local construction capacity.
“I therefore wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the contractors who participated in the implementation of this project.
“Your hard work, professionalism and commitment to quality workmanship have been instrumental in transforming this vision into a reality.
“Delivering a project of this nature within the prescribed timeframe required dedication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our people.
“Furthermore, the project, which was delivered for more than N$18 million, generated employment opportunities for 285 residents, creating much-needed income and supporting livelihoods during the construction phase.
“This demonstrates that investments in housing have multiplier effects that extend beyond the beneficiaries who receive homes.
“Housing development stimulates economic activity, creates jobs, develops skills, and promotes inclusive growth.
“As NHE, we remain committed to our mandate of delivering affordable housing and expanding access to decent shelter for all Namibians.
“We will continue to explore innovative and sustainable housing solutions that respond to the needs of our people and support national development goals.”
‘The day has come.’
Andreas Mayanga, who spoke on behalf of all the beneficiaries, said he has been living in Swakopmund for 20 years.
“Living in a ghetto is not an easy situation. But the day has come that I have been praying for: to own a house. I am happy. Let’s not vandalise and let’s take care of our houses,” said Mayanga.
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