Select Page

City approves two low income housing solutions

The City of Windhoek’s council has approved the demo houses constructed by Eco Beam Construction and Keystone Development Solutions and resolved that they be considered for the construction of afforable low cost housing projects depending on financial concerns. The submitted building solutions of both companies have been recommended for the final assessment.
In August last year, the City called on low cost housing developers to present the City with their low income housing solutions.
The City 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.
“Inspections in terms of conformity to municipal building regulations and quality assurance have already been carried out. Provision of affordable housing is at the centre stage of this Council and we call on the administration through the office of the Chief Executive Officer to fast-track the full implementation of this project,” said Agnes Kafula, Mayor of the City of Windhoek.
According to council documents of last week’s council meeting, only three of the original six companies which were selected and allocated plots by the council to build demo houses, have met the 90-day deadline to complete their demo houses for evaluation by City officials.
Namibia Jin Rijiu Affordable Housing Project, Keystone Development Solution and Eco Beam Construction met this deadline and completed the construction of their demo houses while Ino Investment Foundation and NamGreenWood did not complete their demo houses on time.
However Ino Investment Foundation appealed for a 45-day extension and has completed construction of their house only last week and is due for evaluation while NamGreenWood had their allocation cancelled.
Mehumbo Accommodation Experts’ allocation was also cancelled because the company’s  presentation is for the development of student hostels on Erf 650, Rocky Crest and not for the affordable housing project.
The council also resolved that the demo house constructed by Namibia Jin Rijiu Affordable Housing Project not be accepted as one of the structures for final assessment and that the company accordingly be instructed to demolish their demo units.
This project was necessitated by the challenge of providing housing that would be affordable in the Namibian context to serve the low to ultra low income bracket of residents in Katutura, Wanaheda, Okuryangava, Goreangab, Hakahana, Havana, Khomasdal and Otjimuise.
The City Council also recommended that the Strategic Executive: Finance, Infrastructure, Water and Techical Services and Economic Development and Environment in conjunction with Strategic Executive of Urban Planning and Property Management assess the affordability of the demo houses by addressing the calculations of the construction cost and that profit margins be reconciled with the income level of the target group of beneficiaries as a matter of urgency and that a report in this regard is submitted to management.
“This is the first phase of the construction of demo houses. As soon as we are satisfied with the units we will pave the way for the other companies and invite them to present their models,” the mayor said.

About The Author