CoW approves new settlements
With the approval of two new informal settlements, the Windhoek municipality aims to curb problems in already overcrowded settlements.
To tackle challenges associated with urbanization and to ensure access to basic services, the City of Windhoek (CoW) approved the establishment of two informal settlements earmarked for low-income groups.The move comes as part of a comprehensive effort to improve the living conditions of those currently living in overcrowded informal settlements.
The first approved settlement, Otjomuise Extension 14, is set to relieve pressure on overcrowded informal settlements.
The 35.5 hectares located along Maskhu Street on Farm 1033 is located southwest of the Goreangab Dam and north of Otjomuise Extension 10. The second approved settlement, Otjomuise Extension 15, will be located on the remaining portion of Farm 999. The 23.3 hectares is located along Maskhustraat and is adjacent to the Goreangab Dam and Otjomuise Extension 10.
Moses Matyayi, the newly appointed chief executive of the Windhoek municipality, said that the design includes 310 plots zoned for single residential use, 12 plots for general residential use with 157 residential units, and 30 plots reserved for public spaces. "In addition, there are plans for four institutional plots, three municipal plots and two plots reserved for street purposes."
Regarding financing, Matyayi said: "The City will develop the two settlements using a combination of its own and borrowed funds."
Goreangab development
Furthermore, recognising the need to bridge gaps in infrastructure, the municipal council has earmarked a portion of Farm 508 for important state facilities.
This includes a health centre, primary and secondary schools and a police station, which is particularly aimed at tackling gaps in the Samora Machel constituency.
The directorate of education in the Khomas region has discovered three unregistered schools in the informal area of Goreangab that house 800 pupils.
"Parents argued that the long distances to existing schools were the reason why they chose the nearby unregistered schools," the city council was quoted as saying during its recent council meeting.
"The predicament facing the Khomas Directorate of Education is that they do not have a site to build a school on and they are worried that funds may be diverted back to the treasury.
"Without a need for further justification, the need for public services in the informal areas of Goreangab is urgent. To avoid a crisis, the land must be used as a matter of urgency to provide for the construction of a primary school, secondary school, health centre, and a police station while a lease or purchase application is being prepared,” the council said.