Otavi determined to address housing backlog, despite hurdles
Build Together programme set to resume this month
In addition to addressing housing needs, the Otavi Town Council plans to continue upgrading informal settlements throughout 2025.
A total of 2 980 names are listed as applicants for plots in Otavi, along with an additional 247 individuals who have been on the list of prospective beneficiaries for the Build Together housing programme reportedly since 2002.
The good news is that the town council plans to begin construction of Build Together houses later this month, according to the municipality's CEO, Wodibo Haulofu, who responded to questions in an email on Monday.
Haulofu explained that the programme relies on the repayment of previously granted loans, which fund future loans.
"These repayments are low and have not been sufficient to pay off over the years, which led to the suspension of the programme with the introduction of the mass housing project," he explained.
"The town council revived the programme in 2021 by forming a committee to oversee the smooth implementation of the program," he explained.
He noted that, unfortunately, several challenges were encountered, including tracking down the original beneficiaries and determining whether they still qualified for the programme.
Additionally, it was necessary to approach the urban and rural development ministry to request an increase in the loan amounts.
Programme kicks off this month
The ministry had previously allocated between N$30 000 and N$50 000 for the construction of type-A houses, but it has since been determined that at least N$80 000 is needed to build these types of houses.
"It should be noted that the council has not received any money from the government, which has been earmarked for this programme over the past 15 years," he pointed out.
"We are not entirely satisfied with the results of the re-assessment process, but the construction of Build Together houses is scheduled to begin in February 2025," he confirmed.
Essential services
One of the town's key achievements to date in terms of addressing housing needs is the successful resettlement of 376 households who had lived in the town's so-called single quarters.
Following the demolition of the single quarters, all residents were resettled in New Cairo, he said.
Moreover, over the past three years, council has provided essential services, including water and electricity supply, to 277 plots in New Cairo, he added.
In the Kap and Bou settlement, 700 plots have been surveyed and the mapping, planning, road construction and provision of water have been upgraded in cooperation with the Namibia Housing Action Group at the settlement.
The Otavi oxidation dams have been expanded, roads have been rehabilitated, houses in Khoaeb Extension in Namib Mills Street have been connected to electricity, streetlights and traffic lights have been installed at the B1 and B8 intersection, and Phase 1 of the Otavi bulk water project is ongoing, the CEO noted.
Meanwhile, homes located in the Harambee and Naruseb settlements have been assigned street numbers, while a geometric structure plan, a strategic plan and a financial management plan are also among the achievements the current town council are proud of.
More work to be done
Haulofu said the council has taken proactive steps to build temporary stormwater channels along Namib Mills Street to divert water away from the town, and another drainage channel has been laid in the New Cairo settlement.
This year, the town council plans to continue upgrading informal settlements, complete the first phase of power supply to Kap and Bou and provide water to the area.
The construction of sewer systems in New Cairo is expected by April, while roads are expected to be resurfaced by March, he said.
A playground is also on the cards for Extension 4 this year, as well as a new informal market, a centre for young entrepreneurs and the construction of 53 Build Together houses.
- [email protected]
The good news is that the town council plans to begin construction of Build Together houses later this month, according to the municipality's CEO, Wodibo Haulofu, who responded to questions in an email on Monday.
Haulofu explained that the programme relies on the repayment of previously granted loans, which fund future loans.
"These repayments are low and have not been sufficient to pay off over the years, which led to the suspension of the programme with the introduction of the mass housing project," he explained.
"The town council revived the programme in 2021 by forming a committee to oversee the smooth implementation of the program," he explained.
He noted that, unfortunately, several challenges were encountered, including tracking down the original beneficiaries and determining whether they still qualified for the programme.
Additionally, it was necessary to approach the urban and rural development ministry to request an increase in the loan amounts.
Programme kicks off this month
The ministry had previously allocated between N$30 000 and N$50 000 for the construction of type-A houses, but it has since been determined that at least N$80 000 is needed to build these types of houses.
"It should be noted that the council has not received any money from the government, which has been earmarked for this programme over the past 15 years," he pointed out.
"We are not entirely satisfied with the results of the re-assessment process, but the construction of Build Together houses is scheduled to begin in February 2025," he confirmed.
Essential services
One of the town's key achievements to date in terms of addressing housing needs is the successful resettlement of 376 households who had lived in the town's so-called single quarters.
Following the demolition of the single quarters, all residents were resettled in New Cairo, he said.
Moreover, over the past three years, council has provided essential services, including water and electricity supply, to 277 plots in New Cairo, he added.
In the Kap and Bou settlement, 700 plots have been surveyed and the mapping, planning, road construction and provision of water have been upgraded in cooperation with the Namibia Housing Action Group at the settlement.
The Otavi oxidation dams have been expanded, roads have been rehabilitated, houses in Khoaeb Extension in Namib Mills Street have been connected to electricity, streetlights and traffic lights have been installed at the B1 and B8 intersection, and Phase 1 of the Otavi bulk water project is ongoing, the CEO noted.
Meanwhile, homes located in the Harambee and Naruseb settlements have been assigned street numbers, while a geometric structure plan, a strategic plan and a financial management plan are also among the achievements the current town council are proud of.
More work to be done
Haulofu said the council has taken proactive steps to build temporary stormwater channels along Namib Mills Street to divert water away from the town, and another drainage channel has been laid in the New Cairo settlement.
This year, the town council plans to continue upgrading informal settlements, complete the first phase of power supply to Kap and Bou and provide water to the area.
The construction of sewer systems in New Cairo is expected by April, while roads are expected to be resurfaced by March, he said.
A playground is also on the cards for Extension 4 this year, as well as a new informal market, a centre for young entrepreneurs and the construction of 53 Build Together houses.
- [email protected]
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