Maria David
THE government alone will not be able to meet the housing needs, according to Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni.
Uutoni spoke at the MTC Namibia land delivery project at Okakarara groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, stating that through public-private partnerships, they can address the housing backlog in the country.
A large part of the population cannot afford mortgages or even to build a home for themselves, as evidenced by the growth of informal settlements in most local authorities across the country, he said.
“I have always been appealing to the private sector to join us in the fight to deliver affordable land and housing to our people, especially the middle to ultra-low-income members of society,” he said.
He added that this particular project focuses on addressing and contributing to addressing housing needs at a time when the nation is faced with an acute housing shortage and other socio-economic disparities.
According to Uutoni, the government through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development recognizes everyone’s right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate housing, and the provision of basic infrastructure and services remains one of our top priorities at all levels of government, whether central, regional, or local levels.
Thus, he says the servicing of land and provision of housing are placed high among the national priorities and development plans.
Furthermore, Uutoni said they need to promote low-cost housing initiatives that involve the participation and empowerment of the people themselves.
“Low-cost housing does not mean low-quality housing. It means housing that is appropriate to the needs, preferences, and culture of the people who live in it. It means housing that is built with local materials, technologies, and skills and that respects the environment and the community. It also means housing that is supported by adequate policies, programs, and financing mechanisms that ensure its affordability and accessibility,” he added.
In current times and given the economic hardships they are facing, Uutoni said the government and local authorities are counting on support from all corners of society.
Uutoni then indicated that NGOs, associations, universities, the private sector, and banks all have a role to play, and they urge them to come to the table and collaborate with the government.
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