Windhoek disburses N$2.7 billion to tackle informal settlements and boost urban growth

The City of Windhoek has allocated N$2.7 billion to address the rapid growth of informal settlements, aiming to deliver 12 000 erven by 2027.

This move is part of the municipality’s broader strategy to manage urban expansion and ensure sustainable development.

Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja says informal settlements are growing at a rate of 6.1 % per year, and doubles every 11 years, compared to the capital’s overall population doubling time of 21 years.

She said this on Tuesday during her inaugural address as mayor.

Windhoek has 486 000 inhabitants, representing 32% of the national urban population, and 16% of the country’s population, the Namibia Statistics Agency’s population census of 2023 shows.

“To ensure strategic orientation, the current council set out to delivery 12 000 erven in the informal settlements during the 2022 to 2027 strategic plan period,” Larandja said.

The mayor said the municipality is pursuing the vision to be a sustainable and caring city by 2027.