Opuwo: Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni has praised the Opuwo Town Council for its innovative strategies in addressing the town’s housing backlog, with a focus on aiding low-income earners. Uutoni highlighted the council’s effective turnaround strategy, which has resulted in achieving several service delivery milestones over the past five years. His remarks came during the official handover of 30 Build Together houses, the inauguration of the Katutura Open Market, and the groundbreaking ceremony for a new welcoming sign at the town’s entrance.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the construction of the houses was supported by additional funding from the Trust Fund for Regional Development and Equity Provision via the Build Together Programme during the 2023/2024 financial year. Each unit was valued at N. dollars 80,000, amounting to a total of N. dollars 2.4 million. Uutoni underscored the importance of providing affordable and decent housing, emphasizing it as a critical national developme
nt policy that requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. He noted that the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development is committed to fostering a conducive environment and uniting national efforts to tackle the housing shortage through various partnerships.
Opuwo Mayor Rosa Mbinge Tjeundo expressed optimism about the town’s developmental progress, attributing it to partnerships, dedication, and hard work. She noted the handover of the 30 residences to low- and ultra-low-income groups as well as the launch of essential programs as milestones that will significantly impact the community. Tjeundo stated that these initiatives symbolize the community’s collective effort towards a sustainable future and reaffirmed the council’s vision of transforming Opuwo into a greener, cleaner, and more prosperous town.
Matengu Simushi, representing the Trust Fund for Regional Development and Equity Provision’s Board of Trustees, remarked that the project serves as a testament to what can be achieved when government
entities at various levels collaborate to reach a common goal.