Larandja pledges decisive steps to address informal settlements
Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja says she is committed to tackling one of the city's most pressing challenges – the rapid growth of informal settlements.
With an estimated 200 000 – around 40% – of the city's residents living in 130 informal settlements in Windhoek, Larandja has unveiled an ambitious plan to deliver 12 000 serviced plots by 2027.
"The reality is stark," Larandja said. "Informal settlements are expanding at an annual rate of 6.1%, with a doubling time of just 11 years. This is unsustainable. We must act decisively to provide dignified housing and basic services to all residents."
The estimated cost of the housing initiative stands at N$2.7 billion, requiring significant investment from both government and private sector partners. Larandja said she will focus on fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate land servicing and infrastructure development.
Beyond housing, Larandja acknowledged broader urban challenges, including access to water, sanitation and municipal services. "Windhoek has received over 52 000 additional households since 2011, all needing shelter and essential services. We cannot afford another decade of stagnation," she said.
Open for business
As part of her governance strategy, Larandja pledged to enhance public participation, promising to implement a mayoral hotline for community concerns as well as monthly governance reports to ensure transparency. She also announced plans for a citywide stakeholder consultation on Windhoek’s urban structure plan 2025-2045.
"We will not govern through political rhetoric but through structured execution," she said.
"Windhoek is open for business, and we must work together to transform our city into a model of governance excellence."
With an estimated 200 000 – around 40% – of the city's residents living in 130 informal settlements in Windhoek, Larandja has unveiled an ambitious plan to deliver 12 000 serviced plots by 2027.
"The reality is stark," Larandja said. "Informal settlements are expanding at an annual rate of 6.1%, with a doubling time of just 11 years. This is unsustainable. We must act decisively to provide dignified housing and basic services to all residents."
The estimated cost of the housing initiative stands at N$2.7 billion, requiring significant investment from both government and private sector partners. Larandja said she will focus on fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate land servicing and infrastructure development.
Beyond housing, Larandja acknowledged broader urban challenges, including access to water, sanitation and municipal services. "Windhoek has received over 52 000 additional households since 2011, all needing shelter and essential services. We cannot afford another decade of stagnation," she said.
Open for business
As part of her governance strategy, Larandja pledged to enhance public participation, promising to implement a mayoral hotline for community concerns as well as monthly governance reports to ensure transparency. She also announced plans for a citywide stakeholder consultation on Windhoek’s urban structure plan 2025-2045.
"We will not govern through political rhetoric but through structured execution," she said.
"Windhoek is open for business, and we must work together to transform our city into a model of governance excellence."
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