Windhoek – Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni has affirmed the life-changing impact of the Informal Settlement Upgrading Project in Windhoek. The minister handed over 53 new houses to beneficiaries of the pilot project, a collaborative effort between his ministry and various partners, on Wednesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Minister Uutoni expressed pride in the project’s role in fulfilling housing dreams and restoring dignity to residents. The newly developed houses in the Greenwell Matongo informal settlement are part of an ongoing project launched in August 2020 by the National Housing Enterprises (NHE), the City of Windhoek, and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development. Previously in February, the NHE completed 60 houses under this programme.

To date, the project has constructed 680 houses in various informal settlements of Windhoek, with prices ranging from N.dollars 91,000 to N.dollars 167,000. The minister emphasized the need to increase the number of houses being delivered to benefit more people in the lower income bracket.

NHE chairperson Toska Sem noted the affordability focus of the houses, which were built without ceilings, cupboards, or tiling to reduce costs. This strategy aligns with the goal of providing affordable housing solutions. Sem highlighted the NHE’s progress in meeting its mandate, mentioning the handover of 144 houses to beneficiaries in Omuthiya, Ondangwa, and Okahao last month.

She acknowledged the challenges of housing provision in the country but emphasized the positive outcomes of their efforts.