Khomasdal, Wanaheda take lead in construction activities

Windhoek has been recorded to have completed the most building projects in Namibia in April, with the majority of construction activities occurring at Khomasdal and Wanaheda.

According to a report on building statistics by Simonis Storms Securities, building projects to the value of N$108,8 million were completed in Windhoek and Swakopmund in the month of April.

“Windhoek recorded 175 completed projects in April 2024, valued at N$58,2 million, marking the highest monthly figure since the 178 projects completed in February 2022,” says the report.

This is an increase from the 31 projects completed in March 2024 and the 54 completed in April 2023.

According to the report, City of Windhoek officials are currently conducting follow-up inspections throughout Windhoek to assess the completion status of properties.

“As a result, we can anticipate further increases in the number of completed projects over the coming months,” says the report.

In Swakopmund, 153 projects valued at N$50,6 million were completed.

“This is a significant increase from the 30 projects completed in March 2024 and the 36 in April 2023,” says the report, adding that the completed projects included new residential houses, additions and alterations and new flats.

“There’s been an 18,6% year-on-year increase in approvals so far this year, which translates to an average of 205 approvals per month, compared to 199 last year,” reads the report.

However, the number of new plans submitted has decreased.

“Windhoek received 687 plans year-to-date, down from 763 last year,” says the statement.

Swakopmund has seen a similar trend, with only 184 plans submitted so far in 2024.

According to the report, this decline could be attributed to a tough economy or rising construction costs that could be discouraging new projects.

A report by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) on buildings completed says the construction sector faced a monthly decline of 30,6% in December.

“Additionally, market saturation from previous construction activity might reduce the demand for new projects,” says the report.

However, it also says the backlog of older plans submitted to municipalities seems to be clearing up.

“Despite the decreased submission rate, the municipality’s efforts to clear the backlog resulted in a temporary spike in approvals,” says the report.

It further says the delay in building plan approvals can be attributed to plans being returned to the municipal office.

“This typically occurs when the original applicant has obtained the required funding to advance their project or when a property changes ownership, and the new owner intends to proceed with plans initiated by the previous owner, according to the City of Windhoek. This dynamic adds another layer of complexity to the approval process and necessitates diligent tracking and management by city officials,” says the report.