Over N$305 million invested in Oshakati housing

Maria David
THE BH Group of Companies is going to invest over N$305 million in Oshakati, benefitting the local community with the employment of over 400 people, and build 509 houses for middle-income earners.
Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni has urged the Oshakati Town Council to continue availing more land for the low to middle-income earners of the society.
Uutoni requested this at the launch and groundbreaking of the Ompumbu housing development at the town on Friday, saying this will not only help to expand the town in size but will also in the future increase the council revenue base.
To accelerate the process of affordable housing delivery it requires smart partnership with the public and private sectors, he said.

“We should be cognizant of the fact that the Government alone cannot shoulder the immense investment required for the provision and servicing of land as well as the construction of low-cost housing.”
He stated that housing has gained prominence as one of the key national development priorities and an important vehicle for addressing poverty and inequality as well as for bringing about social harmony, economic advancement and ensuring political stability.
“This is why as a nation we have made the provision of land and access to decent housing as one of the key development priorities as encapsulated in our Vision 2030, National Development Plans and the Harambee Prosperity Plan,” he said.
The company has also reached out to the local small and medium brick producers to make quality super bricks to supply to the housing development project.
“The company is to first services Extension 1 and 2 with their own money and build houses that will cater for the middle-income group of our society,” the Minister said, adding that upon completion of the project, the allocation of houses will also accommodate those that are on the council’s waiting list, especially the first time home owners.
Uutoni added that this is a re-affirmation of their shared resolve, collectively as a nation and as individual caring citizens, that all citizens of this republic have a right to decent and affordable housing and shelter.