Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has given the contractor building Otjomuise houses, which are part of the mass housing project, until 30 November.
This comes after Sankwasa on Monday expressed dissatisfaction during his visit on site. Sankwasa was not happy with the pace at which the Otjomuise Mass Housing Development Programme progressing.
During the site visit, Sankwasa gave the contractor Calgrokuumba – a joint venture between South African firm Calgro M3 and Afrikuumba and owned by local businessman Titus Nakuumba – till 30 November to complete the houses.
In attendance was Khomas governor Sam Nujoma, City of Windhoek chief executive Moses Matyayi, National Housing Enterprise chief executive Gisbertus Mukulu and City of Windhoek councillors.
During his familiarisation site visit on 7 October 2024, former urban minister Erastus Uutoni revealed that the project became entangled in a legal dispute dating back to 2017, which resulted in a stoppage and consequent delays in its completion.
But work resumed in May 2024, and completion was set for June 2025.
“Out of the total of 21 sites across the country where the mass housing projects were implemented, only three sites have commenced-but-uncompleted houses. These are this sites (Otjomuise Extension 10) with 362 uncompleted houses, Opuwo with 24 uncompleted housing units and Swakopmund, which now only has 186 uncompleted houses.
“There were 505 uncompleted houses at Swakopmund, but we completed 319 between October 2022 and June this year, leaving 186 houses to be completed,” he said.
The Mass Housing Development Programme at Otjomuise, specifically Otjomuise Extension 10, was launched in 2013.
This project was initiated under the leadership of former president Hifikepunye Pohamba.
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!
