The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, last week officiated the handover of 64 newly constructed houses in Ondangwa, a significant milestone in Namibia’s ongoing efforts to address housing shortages and improve living conditions for its citizens. The event, organized by the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) in partnership with the Ondangwa Town Council, underscored the government’s commitment to providing affordable and decent housing for all Namibians.
In his keynote address, Minister Uutoni expressed his delight at the progress made since his last visit to Ondangwa in November 2023, when he handed over 24 houses. At that time, he challenged the NHE and the Ondangwa Town Council to expand their collaboration and build more homes. “Today, we are here to witness the handing over of 64 houses at this site, and I am very happy that a call I made a year and four months ago has been heeded and has come to fruition,” said Uutoni. He commended the NHE Board Chairperson, Madame Toska Sem, and the Ondangwa Town Council leadership for their result-oriented approach.
Minister Uutoni emphasized the profound importance of housing, describing it as more than just a physical structure. “A house is one of the most important possessions in a person’s life. It is not just bricks and mortar but a home—a place of security, comfort, and belonging,” he said. Quoting an insightful reflection, he added, “Your home and family are the nest, the center of your life, the hub from which all your daily experiences extend.”
To fulfill this purpose, Uutoni stressed that housing must offer security of tenure, access to basic services, and affordability. He reiterated that housing remains a key national development priority, serving as a critical tool for addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion while fostering economic growth and political stability.
The Minister highlighted Namibia’s alignment with international and continental development frameworks, including Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These frameworks emphasize the need for affordable housing, improved urban planning, and the provision of basic services such as water, sanitation, and energy. “Housing is cross-cutting in nature and is a key instrument in achieving other Sustainable Development Goals,” Uutoni noted.
At the national level, Namibia’s commitment to housing is enshrined in Vision 2030, the National Development Plans, the Harambee Prosperity Plans, and the revised 2023 National Housing Policy. These documents outline the government’s resolve to ensure that all citizens have access to decent and affordable housing.
While acknowledging the persistent challenges of inadequate housing and unequal access to urban land, Minister Uutoni framed these issues as opportunities for collective action. Quoting Robert South, he said, “Problems can become opportunities when the right people come together.” He praised the partnership between NHE and the Ondangwa Town Council as a shining example of how collaboration between government, local authorities, and the private sector can yield tangible results.
The Minister also urged other local authorities to follow Ondangwa’s lead by working with NHE and the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia to provide affordable land for housing projects. “This will help us address informal settlements, where many of our fellow citizens reside without security of tenure, basic services, or proper shelter,” he said.
Uutoni extended his gratitude to Kambwa Trading and Construction, the contractor responsible for completing the project on time and within budget. He also addressed the beneficiaries of the new houses, encouraging them to take pride in their homes and fulfill their financial obligations. “Please take good care of the houses and honor your home loan repayments so that the funds can be used to help other needy Namibians acquire their homes,” he said.
In closing, Minister Uutoni invoked the words of Namibia’s founding president, Dr. Sam Nujoma: “A people united, striving to achieve a common good for all members of society, will always emerge victorious.” He called on all stakeholders to continue working together to develop the country and make the dreams of Namibians a reality.
The handover ceremony was attended by local government officials, community leaders, and representatives from NHE and the construction sector. The event not only celebrated the completion of 64 houses but also served as a reminder of the transformative power of housing in building stronger, more resilient communities.
As Namibia continues to grapple with housing shortages, the Ondangwa project stands as a beacon of hope and a model for future initiatives.