ONDANGWA: In a significant step towards addressing housing needs, the Ondangwa Town Council officially handed over 231 fully serviced plots at the Omashaka informal settlement on Thursday. Of these plots, 37 were allocated to members of the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia. The initiative is a key component of the council's five-year strategic plan, focusing on housing and land provision, as stated by Ondangwa Town Council's Chief Executive Officer, Ismael Namgongo.

Namgongo highlighted the council's cost-effective approach to servicing the area, with water reticulation and electricity services completed by council employees. This approach not only saved on labor costs but also utilized the expertise of the council's workforce, who have experience in similar projects. The total cost of the electricity services amounted to N.dollars 4.3 million, while water servicing cost N.dollars 400,000. Omashaka proper, which houses around 350 erven including public spaces, is still classified as an informal area, but steps towards upgrading have begun. Namgongo also emphasized the importance of beneficiaries paying their monthly site rental fee of N.dollar 105 to ensure the council's continued ability to assist future beneficiaries. The town's mayor, Paavo Amwele, praised the collective efforts of council members and officials in addressing the housing backlog in Ondangwa.