By Kaleb Nghishidivali
OTJIWARONGO, August 12 – The National Housing Enterprise (NHE) and the Otjozondjupa Regional Council have taken a significant step towards addressing housing challenges in the Kalkfeld settlement by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) earlier this week. The agreement, signed at the Otjozondjupa Regional Council’s office in Otjiwarongo, marks the beginning of a partnership to jointly develop more than 90 low-income housing units in the Kalkfeld settlement, located about 80km west of Otjiwarongo.
Drawing from successful informal settlement upgrading designs implemented in Windhoek, a collaboration between the NHE, City of Windhoek, and Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, this project aims to provide affordable housing solutions to individuals in lower income brackets. The housing units will feature limited finishes, allowing homeowners to complete the houses at their own pace and within their financial means, effectively reducing housing loan amounts while still offering decent and secure dwellings.
The NHE’s Chief Executive Officer, Gisbertus Mukulu, and Otjozondjupa’s Chief Regional Officer, Agatha Mweti, were the signatories of the MoU. Notable attendees at the signing included the Governor of the Otjozondjupa region, James Uerikua, as well as the Chairperson of the Regional Council, Marlyn Mbakera, and other senior officials.
Both organizations expressed their enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing their commitment to providing affordable housing solutions and improving living conditions for residents. The partnership is seen as a vital step toward reducing the housing shortage in the region.
Mukulu noted, “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing affordable housing solutions to those in need. The project will not only improve living conditions but also empower the residents by giving them an opportunity to participate in the development of their own homes.”
Echoing these sentiments, Mweti stated, “This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to improving the lives of our constituents. We are confident that this project will contribute significantly to reducing the housing shortage in the region.”
With a shared determination to bridge the housing gap and provide accessible housing solutions for the Namibian population, the NHE and Otjozondjupa Regional Council anticipate the success of this initiative and look forward to its positive impact on the Kalkfeld settlement.- Namibia Daily News
