Windhoek: The Erongo Region has recorded progress in housing delivery, land servicing, and settlement development over the past year, although calls from communities in Omatjete, Uis, and Okombahe continue for faster development and improved access to serviced land. Delivering her State of the Region Address (SORA) on Wednesday, Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses outlined housing and infrastructure projects being implemented across the region, including in emerging settlements and local authorities.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the governor said Uis, which was recently proclaimed a local authority, received N.dollars 1 million and is constructing 10 houses through the Build Together programme. 'Omatjete has completed seven houses, with two more expected by the end of June, while 17 houses are under construction in Otjimbingwe. Overall, 41 houses are expected to be delivered through the programme by the end of the year,' she said. The developments come amid growing demands from residents in the Daures Constituency for improved housing and settlement development.

In previous interviews with Nampa, community members in Okombahe expressed concern over limited housing development during the past 15 years. Community activist Yvonne !Nowases said teachers, police officers and other public servants continue to occupy ageing government houses due to a shortage of new accommodation. 'We are fighting over houses that were built 16 years ago. No new houses have been built, and teachers are struggling with accommodation,' she said.

According to !Nowases, the housing shortage has made it difficult to attract and retain teachers and other government employees, while many young people continue to leave the settlement in search of opportunities elsewhere. Residents of Uis and Omatjete have similarly called for faster land servicing and expanded housing opportunities as mining activities and population growth increase demand.

The governor said the completion of the N.dollars 32 million Ozondati-Omatjete bulk water pipeline has laid the foundation for future settlement development and supports efforts to proclaim Omatjete as a formal settlement, while infrastructure planning studies and sewer upgrades are also underway in Okombahe. Elsewhere in Erongo, Henties Bay reported 60 affordable houses nearing completion and handed over 23 erven to beneficiaries. Omaruru constructed 18 houses for low-income residents, while Usakos completed 53 houses and invested more than N.dollars 52 million in housing-related infrastructure.