Almost 2000 new erven in Windhoek

The first phase of the City of Windhoek’s TIPEEG programme for the servicing of land in low cost areas such as Otjomuise Extension 10, is almost completed.
The TIPEEG project is the result of the 1st transfer of N$110 million of the N$320 million that the City received from central government through the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development for the provision of water, sewage, sanitation and electricity.
According to the Mayor of Windhoek, her Worship Agnes Kafula, the availability of serviced land, especially for housing and commercial development remains a rather insurmountable challenge that the City has been faced with for the past few year.
“The Otjomuise site is expected to make available 1192 single residential erven, five business and three institutional plots. Similar projects will be rolled out at Okahandja Park and Ongulumbashe. After servicing, qualifying applicants whose names are already on the waiting list will be allocated plots to build formal houses,” she said.
The City also entered into a joint venture agreement with a private company for the servicing of the land in Otjomuise Ext 4 and Academia Extension 1, last year.
The Mayor announced that work at the Otjomuise site is expected to be completed in March, and the work for the Academia site will commence immediately there after.
On the Academia site, altogether 500 erven will be demarcated while 200 erven will be demarcated at the Otjomuise Extension 4 area.
“This is a pilot project and if found workable similar projects will be rolled out in other areas of the City. We believe with this approach we will put Council in a position to address the shortage of serviced land and eventually mitigate the soaring prices of properties in the City,” she added.
In August last year, the City called on low cost housing solution companies to present the City with their housing solutions for the medium term.
The City has since selected Namibia Jin Rijiu Affordable Housing Project, Eco Beam Construction, Keystone Development Solutions, Megumbo Accommodation Experts, Ino Investments and NamGreenWood Enterprises. Each of the companies were allocated plots to put up their demo houses in Otjomuise Ext 8 and 9.
The Mayor said that three demo houses are already standing and are being evaluated, whereas others will be ready be the end of this week. She also indicated that the Chief Executive Officer was directed to submit a report on this project to the next council meeting to be held on 27 February 2013.
“While these efforts are being pursued, we appeal for patience, order and cooperation from our residents to continue refraining from illegal land grabbing, as this will never be tolerated,” she said.