Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has reaffirmed the Namibian government’s commitment to formalising informal settlements, calling it a fundamental human right and pledging swift action to improve living conditions across the country.
Speaking at a consultative meeting in the Samora Machel constituency yesterday, Ngurare emphasised that addressing the challenges in informal settlements aligns with the ruling Swapo Party’s election manifesto.
“Formalisation of informal settlements is not an abstract phrase. It is a human right. It is about the dignity and decency of our people,” Ngurare stated.
He underscored the necessity of providing essential infrastructure, including access to water, sanitation, affordable housing, and proper sewage systems. He further stressed that the designs and demarcations of these settlements should uphold privacy, dignity, and respect for human rights.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation and Mines Natangwe Ithete, Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa, and the newly appointed Khomas Regional Governor Sam Nujoma Jr.
Government Accelerates Implementation Plans
Ngurare reiterated that the new administration is making good on its campaign promises, referencing President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inaugural speech , in which she directed urgent action to remove service delivery bottlenecks.
As part of this commitment, the prime minister instructed all relevant ministries, agencies, and local authorities to finalise their implementation plans within a week and submit them to his office by 11 April. A follow-up presentation is scheduled for 16 April.
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Rising Urbanisation and Housing Challenges
Khomas Regional Governor Sam Nujoma Jr. highlighted the rapid rate of urbanization in the region, citing data from the 2023 Population and Housing Census. The census recorded 494,605 residents in Khomas, with nearly half (46.9%) living in informal settlements.
“The population increase has placed immense pressure on service delivery institutions,” Nujoma noted. “While formal housing exists, affordability remains a significant hurdle.”
He referenced ongoing efforts, such as the Joint Informal Settlement Upgrading Project, a collaboration between the Khomas Regional Council, the Urban and Rural Development Ministry, the City of Windhoek, and the Namibia Housing Enterprise (NHE). Launched in 2020, the initiative aims to provide affordable housing solutions, though additional measures are needed to meet growing demand.
“Behind every statistic, every data point, and every policy initiative, there are real people – families, children, and individuals – whose lives are directly impacted by the decisions we make,” Nujoma added.
Call for Collaboration in Addressing Housing Crisis
During the discussions, stakeholders emphasised the importance of cooperation between the government, private sector, and civil society in addressing Namibia’s housing crisis.
“The voices of these communities matter,” Nujoma stated. “The central government is committed to being part of the solution. We must address these challenges head-on to ensure informal settlements are no longer seen as a symptom of neglect but as communities full of potential and promise.”
