The Erongo Regional Council (ERC) is seeking support from local authorities to facilitate the allocation of residential land for its employees to provide them with affordable housing.
This in a bid to reduce and prevent staff turnover.
In a recent submission to the council’s management committee, chief regional officer Sem Ntelamo highlighted the challenges faced by ERC staff in acquiring affordable land for housing.
He said the high cost of plots, often sold to the highest bidder through auctions, has made it difficult for civil servants to secure land.
“This shortage of affordable housing has significantly contributed to staff turnover within the council, affecting productivity and service delivery in the region,” he said.
The submission emphasised that providing staff with access to affordable housing would improve employee retention by addressing one of the key factors contributing to turnover.
“Supporting staff in acquiring land at the lowest possible price will have a positive impact on their overall well-being, thereby enhancing productivity and ensuring effective service delivery to the region,” the document says.
To address this challenge, the proposal seeks the allocation of five plots per municipality annually for at least five ERC staff members, with the plots to be purchased directly for residential purposes.
The council management committee has recommended that the ordinary regional council provide its support to engage local authorities in making land available for ERC staff.
This initiative, if approved, is expected to foster a more stable and motivated workforce within the ERC, ultimately benefiting the entire region.
The recommendation is now awaiting discussion and the ordinary regional council’s approval.
Constituency councillors Florian Donatus and Kennedy !Haoseb welcomed the request, noting that the move could lead to improved public service delivery.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
