Henties Bay — The Henties Bay municipality is tackling its serviced land shortage head-on by offering 600 square metres of fully serviced plots for just N$1 600 to ultra-low-income residents. The initiative was sparked by the demand for affordable housing at the town.
The programme includes a strict vetting process to ensure land goes to those who truly need it. The municipality revealed its ambitious plans to the line minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa when he visited the town on Friday.
After a lengthy closed-door meeting, the minister visited some of the developmental projects of the town, of which one was the housing and land servicing projects.
Chairperson of the management committee Michael Skinni said the town has seen a sharp rise in urbanisation.
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People flock in from surrounding areas such as Spitzkoppe, Tubusis, Uis and Okombahe. Council is using its funds to service the land.
"We realised we need to act quickly to accommodate our ultra-low-income residents. That's why we launched this land initiative and backed it with a brick-making project, employing 30 local youth," said Skinni. He stated that extension 7 plots are already allocated.
Erven in extensions 8, 9 and 10 are next in line.
"These erven are fully serviced with water, sewer and electricity. We are also giving bricks for free, made right here in Henties Bay by unemployed youth," he said.
In total, about 600 erven are being prepared for development.
However, the town still has a backlog of over 3 600 housing units. Another major upgrade is underway in extension 12, where a N$44 million council-funded project is bringing full municipal services to cater for retirees and long-term residents. Completion is expected by August or September.
In addition, Erongo Red has invested N$12 million to electrify 188 plots that were previously part of a reception area, now formalised as part of the town. "This is not just about land - it's about dignity, stability and creating long-term housing solutions," Skinni said.
"Offering erven for N$1 600 is something you won't easily find anywhere else in the country," he added.
Sankwasa, who toured the development sites, applauded the municipality's efforts.
"I'm satisfied with what I saw. The land is already serviced, informal settlements are being formalised, and proper brick houses are replacing shacks. The council is even supplying free bricks. I wish more towns would follow Henties Bay's example," he said.
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