MTC Partners with Development Workshop to Service 707 Low-Income Plots in Okakarara

WINDHOEK:Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has announced a collaboration with Development Workshop Namibia to service 707 plots designed for low-income residents in Okakarara. This initiative is part of MTC’s corporate social investment.

Currently, the Okakarara project is divided into two extensions: Okakarara Extension 7, comprising 294 plots priced at N.dollars 59,636 each, equipped with water, sewer, and electricity; and Hamakari Extension 2, offering 413 plots at N.dollars 14,602 each, with water provisions. The combined total comes to 707 plots located in the Otjozondjupa town, aimed at catering to the low-income segment of the population.

Amid ongoing debates on the affordability of residential properties nationwide and the increasing challenges of urbanization, low-cost housing remains a pivotal avenue for many Namibians aspiring to own homes in their lifetime.

Addressing the attendees at Wednesday’s groundbreaking event, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, lauded the Okakarara Town Council for teaming up with Development Workshop Namibia to tackle the housing challenge. Uutoni acknowledged the ever-growing national demand for housing, emphasizing the fundamental role of a house in individuals’ lives. He said, “Housing signifies more than just a shelter; it grounds our sense of security and stability, serving as the foundation of our personal and emotional lives.” Uutoni further accentuated that housing is a human right, criticizing the prevalent housing disparities and the plight of those living in precarious conditions.

In the same vein, MTC’s Chief Human Capital, Corporate Affairs, and Marketing Officer, Tim Ekandjo, acknowledged Development Workshop’s endeavors in ensuring housing affordability. Ekandjo called upon banking institutions to craft solutions for low-income earners, enabling them to achieve their homeownership aspirations. He stated, “With plots priced between N.dollars 10,000 to N.dollars 40,000, it is incumbent upon banks and financial entities to facilitate these owners in constructing their homes.”

Echoing Ekandjo’s sentiments, Development Workshop’s Acting Country Manager, Ester Veiko, delineated the program’s aim. “The primary objective is supporting local authorities in land planning and servicing, ensuring it’s affordable for low-income groups. This program is directed towards urban inhabitants who find it challenging to purchase houses priced over N.dollars 300,000,” Veiko noted.

Details of this initiative were provided by The Namibian News Agency.