The October Seafarers United Land and Housing Federation has so far spent N$1,284,588 on its Fishermen Village housing project in Walvis Bay, aimed at providing affordable homes for seafarers.
Federation chairperson Matthias M. Ndeulita said the organisation secured land through a sale agreement with the Walvis Bay Municipality, paying a 10% deposit of N$482,588 toward the total purchase price of N$2.4 million for Portion 18 of Farm No. 37.
“Funding has also been allocated for key planning and development activities. Township establishment has received N$242,000 of the N$702,000 required, with the remaining N$310,000 to be settled over 20 monthly instalments,” Ndeulita said.
He added that surveying costs had received N$450,000 of the N$900,000 required, with the balance scheduled over 15 monthly instalments.
“Environmental and architectural services have been fully paid, including N$75,000 for an Environmental Impact Assessment and N$35,000 for housing design plans. All costs have been fully covered by our federation members. Their financial contributions reflect our commitment to building a better future for our seafarers and our community,” he said.
The project is expected to stimulate the local economy, improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents. Ndeulita called for continued support from government, the fishing industry, local authorities and the business community to ensure the project’s completion.
Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses praised the federation’s efforts, noting that members had contributed approximately N$1.7 million from their own resources. She urged unity, transparency and support from investors and the fishing industry to secure the project’s success.
“The eighth administration of the Namibian Government under the leadership of Her Excellency, Cde Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, is committed to supporting developmental initiatives aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of communities,” /Goagoses said.
She described the Walvis Bay Fishermen Village housing project as a key initiative to deliver affordable housing for seafarers while contributing to economic growth and community development in the region.
The Federation, established in 2021, was created to provide housing for seafarers, particularly those affected by the 2015 industrial strike in the fishing sector.
