Brickmaking machine an attempt to slash housing backlog

SWAKOPMUND, Aug. 16 -In his quest to address the shortage of houses in Swakopmund, the Governor of Erongo, Cleophas Mutjavikua acquired a brick making machine from the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) which he donated to the Swakopmund community yesterday (Tuesday).

A steering committee consisting of stakeholders was established to take responsibility of the management of the machine. Town Mayor, Paulina Nashilundo urged residents to take ownership of the machine, make good use of it and treasure it. She noted that the brick making machine will be available on lease to beneficiaries, ranging from 1-3 months.

Governor Mutjavikua noted that the day was a special day in the strive to eradicate poverty, as the availability of the brick making machine will empower residents to build their own houses. He stressed that the process of acquiring the machine was time-consuming and not easy and remarked that more of these machines should be deployed.

Mutjavikua also promised that to work on mechanisms to ensure that all residents get a piece of land. He took a swing at building inspectorates at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, calling them “relaxed”, as people are supposedly building where ever they want with neither order nor control.

“Let us be pro-active and plan ahead for the future, and not only take action when the crisis is already upon us,” the governor warned. He concluded by emphasizing the fact that work should be done on ground level and urged local government officials not to sit in their offices, but to go out and witness for themselves what the residents’ needs are.

Swakopmund’s Mass Housing Development Programme waiting List currently stands at 8920 applicants, the housing backlog indicative of more than half of the residents still living in backyard shacks.

Governor Mutjavikua exclusively informed Namibia Daily News that Omaruru will also receive a brick making machine very soon, followed by Karibib. Walvis Bay has already received this much needed appliance. – Marshallino Beukes