805 Swakop residents get land ownership certificates

More than Swakopmund residents were granted land ownership certificates on Sunday, as part of a land project in which the Swakopmund municipality invested about N$50 million.

The costs to recipients for a section of serviced land was approximately N$1 000 in registration and administration fees, as well as N$2 500 for electricity connection.

Many of the beneficiaries reside at Wagdaar (Wait There), a section of the DRC settlement, and have waited years to own a piece of land.

Jerobiam Nghishoongela, who has been waiting for 20 years, was one of the first to sign for his ownership certificate.
“I am very happy for this day, and I am looking forward to now building a proper house and having electricity and water to cook, and wash, and have a proper toilet. It is an answer to prayer,” he said.

Swakopmund municipality general manager of corporate services Andre Plaatjie described the unprecedented number of 805 residents simultaneously gaining ownership of urban properties, far surpassing the previous record of 150, as “historic and momentous”.

Plaatjie said the land allocation process involved verifying eligible recipients to ensure they did not already own property.
“The reason is because we are donating that land to you… I cannot donate land to somebody who already has land,” he said.
Once eligible recipients sign a contract that initiates the transfer of ownership, they can apply for electricity connections and eventually build their own homes.

The government supports the initiative through the servicing of land, connection of streetlights and water supply.

As part of the pilot project, about 30 prepaid standpipes are being tested to determine their durability and efficiency, and will eventually provide property owners with control of water consumption.

Erongo governor Neville Andre said affordable housing and land provision is essential for the well-being, health and development of Namibians.

“Proper housing is so important because it is linked to many other areas of human well-being. Indeed, most areas of human health can only be achieved fully when one has access to adequate housing,” he said.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing housing challenges and acknowledged the progress made, such as the mass housing initiative which aims to provide affordable housing in selected towns.

Andre praised the Swakopmund municipality’s implementation of the Flexible Land Tenure initiative which led to the presentation of ownership certificates to residents.

Andre urged new landholders to make use of existing institutions and programmes for further assistance in building their homes.

“You are now landholders. It is not easy, but you need that assistance. We must ensure that everyone is proud to live in an environment where services are accessible, and our communities are clean, organised and happy.”

Swakopmund mayor Dina Namubes acknowledged the hardships that many DRC informal residents face.

“It’s not easy, but just be grateful for that because [God] has a plan for you.”

DRC is located on the outskirts of Swakopmund. The settlement houses an estimated 45 000 people, as well as an additional 2 611 renters living in backyard shacks.

Residents face a lack of access to basic services, inadequate housing, and limited economic opportunities.

The informal settlement’s history dates back to 1999. Over the years it has expanded and is now divided into several areas, with new portions allocated to accommodate on growing demand for land and housing.

Namubes said beneficiaries now have access to municipal services and the ability to construct permanent structures.

She congratulated the new land owners and encouraged them to ensure timely payments for services.

“There is nothing for free in this world, so please prepare your pockets. [Ownership] comes with expenses.”

The Swakopmund municipality housing waiting list contains approximately 22 000 names.