Government pushes for urgent formalisation of informal settlements

By: Envaalde Matheus

Government has prioritised the formalisation of informal settlements, calling for immediate action from relevant authorities.

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare expressed the urgency of addressing housing and service delivery challenges, in line with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s commitment to improving living conditions.

Ngurare directed ministers, governors, and regional and local authority councillors to finalise their implementation plans for the formalisation of informal settlements by April 11, 2025.

“We don’t have the luxury of time, we have to be able to deliver. Comrade Governor, dust must be seen. Comrade chairperson, dust must be seen. Your worship, dust must be seen. That is what we expect. We want you to say, we have started at Ehambo dha Nehale, Tlhabanelo number 3, something is happening ,” Ngurare stressed

He encouraged officials to make use of available funds and only request additional resources after work has commenced.

“It is better to come and say, ‘honourable prime minister, we have started, but we need more money…rather than saying, ‘We wanted to start, but the money is not enough. Remember what the  President said “Work in progress. So start,” said  Ngurare.

He added that most young people are skilled in construction and can contribute to building much-needed sanitation facilities in the informal settlements.

Khomas regional governor Sam Nujoma Jr. acknowledged the government’s efforts to tackle informal settlements but stressed that more needs to be done to confront the issue in a sustainable manner.

“Much more needs to be done. We must address these issues head on to ensure informal settlements are no longer seen as a symptom of neglect but as communities full of potential and promise,” said Nujoma.

He reaffirmed that the central government remains committed to being part of the solution.

“As a region, we are ready to collaborate, engage in dialogue, and create policies that ensure every citizen, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to thrive,” he said.

Nujoma said the achievement will require a collective effort involving the central, regional, and local governments, as well as the private sector and civil society.

“As work continues to improve living conditions in informal settlements, the focus should be on holistic development, including building resilient infrastructure and ensuring access to essential services,” he said.