Ministry of Urban and Rural Development

DAY 1 Commemoration of the ADD

NKURENKURU- In keeping with the Constitutive Act of the African Union, Namibia joined other Member states in commemoration of the Africa Day of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local development in Nkurenkuru, Kavango West Region. The day is commemorated under the theme " Building resilience education and skilling systems rooted in Africa's realities at local level". Kavango West Regional Council - KWRC

KATIMAMULILO- The Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Hon. Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele together with the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Hon. Anna Nghipondoka attended the Batsara Annual Cultural Festival at Katima Mulilo on Sunday, 04 August 2024, where the Vice President of the Republic of Namibia Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was the main speaker.

The cultural festival is held annually, to preserve the culture and heritage of the Mayeyi tribe. This year, it is celebrated under the theme: "My culture, My Pride".

His royal highness Chief (Shikati)Boniface Shifu of the Mayeyi traditional authority in his remarks appreciated the government efforts in providing basic services to the Mayeyi community, but emphasised that more needs to be done to ensure development and betterment of the community, and to cater for the growing population.

Speaking at the event, the Her Excellency Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah said that culture and tradition should be considered as a pride but should not be used to bring division and tribalism among communities.
She said the event is of great significance as it is aimed at preserving cultural heritage as well as traditional norms and values.
Zambezi Regional Council

KATJINAKATJI- The Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Hon. Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of 21 houses by the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, at Katjinakatji, in an effort to reduce the Housing backlog in the country, on Friday, 02 August 2024.

The housing construction is a result of a partnership between the Kavango West Regional Council, Telecom Namibia and CAMSOP.

In her keynote address, Hon.
Nawases-Taeyele said the innitiative aims to improve the living conditions of Katjinakatji residents, as many currently endure inadequate housing.

"This project will provide safe, stable, and decent housing, which is essential for their
health and well-being," Says the Deputy Minister.
At the same occasion, Dr. Samul !Oë-Amsen, Acting Senior Manager for the North East Business area said Telecom Namibia acknowledge that the Government cannot address the housing backlog alone, therefore, as responsible corporate citizens, they "strives to be a positive force within their communities."

The 21 houses are the first bunch of 63 houses to be constructed at Katjinakatji.

Follow us on NBC 2 and Ministry of Urban and Rural Development page

CATCH| Mr. Nghidinua Daniel, the Executive Director in the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, on Situation Kritical as he give insights into the housing situation in the country today at 19H00 on NBC.

THE 18th EDITION OF SAIMSA GAMES 2024 OFFICIALLY LAUNHED

WALVISBAY- The 18th edition of the Southern African Inter-Municipal Sports Association (SAIMSA) was officially launched by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development Hon. Erastus Uutoni, on Friday, 26 July 2024, at Walvisbay, Erongo Region, under the theme "SADC Local Authority Employees Wellness Enhanced through Sports and Recreation."

The games are aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of Local Authorities employees in Southern Africa.This year, Namibia will be hosting the games in Walvis Bay.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Uutoni emphasised the importance of employers valuing their employees by unveiling platforms of this nature which not only promote economic development, procuctivity, and healthy lifestyles but also act as catalysts for social cohesion.

"On behalf of the custodian Ministry of Urban and Rural Development I call on the residence the community of Walvis
Bay and the business community to support this noble initiative to continue,
for the benefit of the current and future generations," said the Minister.

The Deputy Mayor of Walvisbay Her Worship Councillor Saara Mutondoka, said the games highlight the importance of unity and cooperation among municipalities in southern Africa.

On his part, the vice President of SAIMSA Mr. Daniel Mouton stated that this innitiative is vital for all Namibian youth as they not only offer physical activities but foster social life skills, build friendships and maintain them.
"Through Sports you are shaping future leaders of our nation," he said.

Local Authorities employees of all ages will be participating in the games.
Municipality of Walvis Bay

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

SWAKOPMUND- The Minister of Urban and Rural Development Hon. Erastus Uutoni officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of 143 houses for the middle income earners as a result of a smart partneship between the Swakopmund Municipality, QTC Pty
Ltd, Development Bank of Namibia and Vortex Holdings Namibia, in Swakopmund, Matutura Proper on Friday, 26 July 2024.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Uutoni said rapid urbanisation as a result of rural-urban migration as well as it's manifestation in the form of the informal settlements, characterised by a mismatch between demand and supply in terms of urban services and infrastructure, and poor conditions can only be addressed meaningfully and sustainably through collaborative effort by the government, individuals and private sector.

He said the provision of serviced land and housing is not becoming easier, considering the population growth but despite that, the Government through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development is on the move and remains committed to the task of delivering affordable housing to as many Namibians as possible.

On her part, Her Worship Cllr. Dina Namubes, the Mayor of Swakopmund stated that as a Councillor, they continue to prioritise housing delivery and recognising their responsibility to ensure sustainable community and Urban development as well as taking into consideration the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors, which are vital in housing delivery.
Swakopmund Municipality Erongo Regional Council

KARIBIB-A total of 1, 996 residents of the Usab Informal Settlement received ownership certificates for their plots on Friday, 19 July 2024, at Karibib, Erongo region.
The erven are part of the Informal Settlement Upgrading, funded by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, aimed at eradicating shacks and providing decent and affordable housing for the low and ultra-low income earners.
Speaking on the occasion the Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Hon. Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele said the event marks a significant milestone in housing delivery, recognizing the importance of land tenure security, and it is in line with the recently launched National Housing Policy which is aimed at accelerating housing delivery, particularly for low-income earners and first-time homebuyers, underscoring commitment to upgrading informal settlements.
She said the Ministry will remain steadfast in supporting sub national government and their leadership.
At the same event the residents witnessed the ground-breaking for electrification of the settlement.
The Keynote speaker for the event was Hon. Derek Klazen, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Karibib, Erongo, Namibia

WINDHOEK- In an effort to ensure that local authorities have the necessary capacity to combat fire related incidents in their localities, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has handed over the firefighting equipment to Rehoboth Town Council recently in Windhoek. The life saving equipment includes the two bank gears, one self contained breathing apparatus, helmets, boots, hoots and hand gloves.
Rehoboth Town Council

NEW HOMES FOR TWENTY EIGHT FAMILIES

WINDHOEK- Hon. Erastus Uutoni, Minister of Urban and Rural Development has handed over a total of 28 houses built under the Informal Settlement Upgrading Pilot Project, aimed at eliminating shacks in the country and increase housing stock, on Friday, 12 July 2024 at Goreangab Extension 4.

The Twenty eight houses are a first stock of the 113 houses to be constructed at the site, with the final stock to be delivered in April 2025.

Speaking at the handingover, Hon. Uutoni said once the pilot project is completed, the project will be rolled out in various local authorities, and plans are at an advanced stage to approach the local authorities.

On her part, Her Worship the Mayor Councillors Queen Omagano Kamati said by addressing housing needs, the, Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, the City of Windhoek and the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) are not only reducing homelessness but also alleviating the strains of social services and creating a vibrant neighborhood.

"Prioritising housing especially in our informal settlements is not only a matter of social responsibility, but also a strategic investment in the collective welfare and prosperity of our communities.," said the Mayor.
City of Windhoek National Housing Enterprise - Namibia Khomas Regional Council

NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION ACTION PLAN LAUNCHED

WINDHOEK- The Minister of Urban and Rural Development Hon. Erastus Uutoni has launched the revised National Housing Policy and Implementation Action Plan in an effort to allow for a broader access to housing and improve the living and socio-economic conditions for urban and rural residents, on Thursday,11 July 2024, in Windhoek.

Hon. Uutoni said the Housing Policy provides an overarching for the integrated human settlement development in the country, through inclusivity, partneship and sustainability.

" The Implementation framework and structures set out in the Policy provides for active involvement of all key stakeholders," said the Minister.

He said the policy will focus primarily on creating housing opportunities through nationwide informal settlents upgrading and pro-active incremental land servicing.

The Policy has a detailed Implementation Action Plan that details out various strategies for each Policy objective and implementation framework.

#

Hon. Erastus Uutoni will be handing over 28 houses constructed under the Informal Settlement Upgrading program at Goreangab Ext 4 on Friday, 12 July 2024.

NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION ACTION PLAN LAUNCH

WIindhoek- The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Erastus Uutoni will be launching the revised National Housing Policy on Thurday, 11 July 2024 in Windhoek.
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology - Republic of Namibia

MARIENTAL- Hon. Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele, Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development unveiled two firefighting trucks donated by the Municipal Council of Murcia, Spain and an ambulance donated by the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, to assist the community fight fire related calamities at Mariental on Monday, 08 July 2024.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Nawases-Taeyele said the collaboration between the two municipal councils allows for sharing of experiences on effective actions needed to be taken to
reduce mortality, damage to infrastructure and the environment caused by disasters.

She said individuals, communities, private sector and government need to work together to ensure a meaningful contribution to resilience building in fighting disasters.

Hon. Nawases-Taeyele further urged the municipal council to safeguard the donated vehicles against theft and mismanagement.
Mariental Municipality Murcia, España

In an effort to ensure that the narrative of what the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development stands for is communicated to every Namibian effectively, the Ministry has renewed its Memorandum of Agreement with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), on Thursday, 04 July 2024, at the Ministry's head office in Widhoek.

Namibian Broadcasting Corporation

COURTESY VISIT

WINDHOEK- A delegation of Usakos Town Council headed by Her Worship Mayor Cllr Irene Simeon-Kurtz has paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development Hon. Erastus Uutoni, to present their developmental agenda and seek for his intervention and support.

Erongo Regional Council

International Collective Housing conference in Thailand

Officials from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and the Namibia Housing Action Group (NHAG)/ Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) are attending a four-day conference on collective housing under the theme “Let people be the solutions” in Thailand. The conference comprises of 200 community members, practitioners, government officials, and housing experts from 17 countries.

Ms. Martha Iitula from the Ministry's Habitat and Housing Department is attending the conference hosted by the Thai Government and the Community Organization Development Institute (CODI). The aim of the meeting is to learn from each other, find solutions to community housing problems, and promote sustainability. The conference was officially inaugurated by the Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Mr. Anukul Peedkaew.

The Ministry's Volleyball team won the category of the most well organised and disciplined team in the Africa Public Service Day Tornament held at Delta secondaryschool, Windhoek.

WINNER

The Ministry scooped a trouphy as the 2nd Runner-up Exhibitor at the 2024 Africa Public Service Day Celebrations.