Maria David
IN an effort to address the demand for affordable housing in Oshakati, the Town Council has embarked on a comprehensive development plan to build modern, affordable flats.
The flats will be constructed in Oshakati West, according to town spokesperson Katarina Kamari.
According to Kamari, these new housing units will cater to low- and middle-income earners and people who are new in town in search of work.
“The aim of this project is to increase the Council’s asset base and to ensure that more residents have access to quality living spaces at reasonable prices,” she said.
She added that for the current financial year 2024/2025, the Council has budgeted N$2.7 million for the construction of 16 municipal flats.
Kamari indicated that due to financial and schedule constraints, the project will be undertaken in two phases. Phase one consists of building all 16 units, including the security room with a boundary wall and eight one-bedroom units and eight two-bedroom units.
Meanwhile, Kamari said phase two will consist of installing tiles, fixtures, cupboards, interlocks, and shade nets.
The project commenced on 30 June 2024 and is expected to be completed by 30 October 2024.
“Council believes in the importance of community involvement in all our projects; hence with this project, Council has employed 69 builders and semi-skilled labourers,” she added.
Moreover, Kamari said that these builders and labourers are mostly from the informal settlements of Oshakati, particularly from Oshakati West, Onawa, and Oshoopola.
She explained that this was done with the aim of creating employment and enhancing the economic development of the town.
Additionally, this project is being undertaken and supervised by the Council’s Building Inspectors, without contracting any external construction company.
The flats will be available at subsidized rates to ensure affordability for all eligible residents. This rate is yet to be determined by the Council upon completion of the project.
Picture for illustrative purposes only.
