CONSTRUCTION work has started on a low-cost housing development under the government-funded Build Together Programme at Keetmanshoop.

The housing project involves the construction of 273 houses.

Keetmanshoop Town Council CEO Paul Vleermuis yesterday said four small and medium enterprises were allocated a tender to build 25 houses each.

Vleermuis said the council has set a target to have 100 houses completed within the next four months.

"We have set targets for each builder to complete 10 houses a month," said Vleermuis.

Vleermuis said it is required of each beneficiary to make an upfront payment of N$200.

According to Vleermuis, only 23 people have so far been selected to benefit from the housing project.

The council will invite applicants every month-end to apply for the houses.

Referring to an illegal occupation of municipal plots at the town in February last year, Vleermuis said the low-cost housing applications would enable the council to "gauge the scope of the housing need at the town".