Otjiwarongo: A newly completed water reticulation project was officially handed over to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) in Otjiwarongo on Monday. Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, received the infrastructure from the Namibia Housing Action Group (NHAG), which spearheaded the installation of water piping for 404 plots across the Extension 16 and 17 informal areas.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the initiative is part of a broader N.dollars 50 million national land servicing programme funded by the ministry and executed in partnership with NHAG and the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia. Minister Sankwasa expressed satisfaction that out of the 404 houses, about 80 are fully connected to the newly installed water piping system.

Sankwasa highlighted the government's vision for the area, which extends beyond water, with expectations to complete sewage reticulation by the end of the year. This development aims to ensure comprehensive access to essential municipal services for residents.

Additionally, the minister directed the Otjiwarongo Municipality to avoid increasing prices for prepaid water meters, reminding officials that these units were fully funded by the national government. The water reticulation project commenced in July 2025 and concluded in March this year, with a total cost of N.dollars 2.5 million.

Otjozondjupa Governor, John ||Khamuseb, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for the financial support and urged residents to protect the infrastructure from vandalism. Residents of Extensions 16 and 17, who are members of the Shack Dwellers Federation, have initiated the self-construction of 63 brick houses.

NHAG project officer, Angusto Kamolokamwe, stated that construction of the 63 new houses began last month. The residential areas of Extension 16 and 17 are located approximately seven kilometres east of Otjiwarongo.