Kalkfeld: Land servicing activities for the construction of 93 ultra low-cost houses at the Kalkfeld settlement outside Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa Region were officially launched on Tuesday at the settlement.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the land servicing project is set to last three months and is a joint initiative between the National Housing Enterprise (NHE), Otjozondjupa Regional Council, and the Development Workshop Namibia. The project will cost N.dollars 5.2 million. The new residential area is situated approximately one kilometre south of the settlement's central business district.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Johannes Hausiku, Chairperson of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, stated that the land deal signed in 2023 aims to benefit ultra-low-income earners. Decent and affordable houses are intended to be developed and delivered shortly after the completion of the land servicing programme. Hausiku mentioned that the N.dollars 5.2 million was sourced from the central government and will be utilized to provide essential services such as sewage and water reticulation systems, along with the creation of streets in the new residential area.

Gisbertus Mukulu, Chief Executive Officer of NHE, outlined that the project will proceed in two phases. The initial phase focuses on servicing the land and constructing 22 new houses. The second phase involves building an additional 71 houses, bringing the total to 93 at the site. Mukulu noted that each residential plot is expected to measure about 300 square metres on average.

Paulus Nekundi, the Otjiwarongo Constituency councillor, was also present at the event. He urged the sub-contracted private company, Ashikuni Construction and Plumbing CC, to deliver a fully serviced site within the next three months as per the agreement, to ensure planned development for Kalkfeld. Nekundi also emphasized the importance of offering semi-skilled jobs to local residents before considering those from outside the area.