Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) now plans to deliver 1,941 low-cost housing plots, up from the initial target of 1,585, under its Land Delivery Project.
The MTC Land Delivery Project is a three-year program designed to address the issue of landlessness in selected towns by providing affordable land to low-income earners through Development Workshop Namibia (DWN).
The project aims to enable individuals to acquire a 300 square meter piece of land at a reasonable price as low as N$15,000, pay it off over a 12-month period, own the title deed, and gain access to financing for home construction.
“The land and housing issue in Namibia requires smart collaboration and deliberate intervention. Thus, through DWN, we intentionally provide N$1 million yearly to enable the program to expand to other towns such as Luderitz, Swakopmund, Omaruru, Ondangwa, Okongo, Rehoboth, and Rundu,” said MTC Chief Human Capital, Corporate Affairs, and Marketing Officer, Tim Ekandjo.
“The effort is to curtail and redress the increase of shanty settlements while contributing to creating a land ownership economy. Initially, the program planned to deliver 1,585 plots, but that number has now been increased to 1,941,” added Ekandjo.
Stampriet, in the !Karas region, is set to become the next beneficiary of the initiative, with 282 plots earmarked for servicing.
After Stampriet, MTC plans to extend the project to the towns of Okakarara and Otjiwarongo, Omaruru, Ondangwa, Okongo, Rehoboth, and Rundu.
MTC states that Okakarara and Otjiwarongo are making steady progress, with over 707 plots earmarked for Okakarara and 483 for Otjiwarongo.
“All plots will be for the ultra-low-income earners market, and consultations between DWN, local authorities, and residents are ongoing.”
“The Namibian population continues to grow, resulting in more residents demanding housing. To this effect, the government, through my ministry, has redoubled efforts to provide access to housing for all citizens. However, joint efforts are essential because the government alone cannot remedy the land and housing issue,” said Ekandjo.
MTC had initially committed N$2 million to aid selected local authorities in delivering 1,585 low-cost land for housing in four towns by the end of September this year, with Oniipa being the first to benefit, receiving 113 plots.
