Walvis Bay is set to see a boost in housing development following a renewed show of cooperation between the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) and the Municipality of Walvis Bay, marked by a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony in Meersig.
The visit by NHE officials began with a strategic engagement with municipal leadership, signalling a shared commitment to tackling the town’s growing housing demand.
Welcoming the delegation, Chief Executive Officer of the Municipality, Victoria Kapenda, noted that the strengthened partnership comes at a critical time. She said the collaboration not only accelerates housing delivery but also ensures that serviced land does not remain idle, while easing pressure on the local authority.
The highlight of the day unfolded in Meersig, where construction of 34 new homes, valued at approximately N$22 million, was officially handed over to local contractors.
The houses, expected to be completed within seven months, will be priced between N$1.2 million and N$1.7 million. Speaking at the site, NHE Executive for Infrastructure Development, Thomas Shilongo, underscored the organisation’s mandate to widen access to homeownership. “People who are renting apartments also deserve the opportunity to become homeowners,” he said. To fast-track delivery, NHE has adopted what Shilongo described as a “business unusual” approach by appointing three contractors to work simultaneously on the project. He, however, stressed that timelines will be closely monitored to ensure accountability and timely completion. The Meersig 34 development is also expected to provide a welcome economic injection, with at least 80 jobs anticipated during the construction phase, and potentially more as the project progresses.
In addition to the Meersig rollout, NHE provided updates on ongoing housing initiatives in Kuisebmond, where 79 houses are currently under construction. Approximately half of these units have already been completed, while the remainder have reached roof level. Plans are also in motion to develop 24 back-to-back sectional title units in the area.
By Eileen van der Schyff
