Iipinge: A veteran in infrastructure development
A driving force at NHE
Starting as a clerk of works, Iipinge quickly rose through the ranks at the National Housing Enterprise, where he has been employed for the past 19 years.
Indileni Set-Sam Iipinge, a seasoned civil engineer, has been a driving force at the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) since 2005. He boasts a master's degree in international business and a bachelor of technology degree in civil engineering from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), formerly the Polytechnic of Namibia.
Starting as a clerk of works, Iipinge quickly rose through the ranks, showing his potential in site and housing inspections, contractor management and building maintenance.
By January 2007, he was promoted to site agent, a role he excelled in for over nine years, overseeing infrastructure projects in various Namibian towns including Windhoek, Outapi and Ondangwa.
"I ensured workmanship and materials were in accordance with drawings and specifications," Iipinge said. His responsibilities included coordinating house building and managing high-rise residential construction, roads, sewer and water reticulation projects, and other civil engineering tasks.
Few years later in 2016, he became a contract administrator, a position he held until May this year. His role involved overseeing all building projects from pre-tender to completion.
"I monitored and ensured house delivery by managing projects both contractually and administratively," he explained.
New position
In June, Iipinge was appointed NHE's infrastructure development manager.
"Since 2005, I have planned, supervised and constructed approximately 1 790 housing units, valued at over N$593 million," he noted.
His current position involves managing the infrastructure development department, planning and designing architectural projects, and maintaining rental properties. He also conducts research on alternative building products and methods.
"My job is about managing resources, meeting project deadlines and ensuring efficient project execution," he said.
Among his many challenges, leading the Mass Housing Development Programme stands out.
"This project had a large scope and tight deadline, but it significantly improved our company's service efficiency," Iipinge recalled.
The programme, endorsed by the Namibian Cabinet in 2013, aims to address the country's housing needs and tested Iipinge's project management skills.
Passionate about uniting individuals to achieve common goals, Iipinge finds inspiration in the dynamic nature of project management. "I enjoy mentoring team members and watching them grow," he added.
'Continuous learning is key'
Ipinge advised young professionals looking to find their feet in the working space to "embrace curiosity, set clear goals and pursue your passions with persistence".
"Resilience is essential, and continuous learning is key," he added.
If given the chance to change one thing in the world, he said he would ensure sustainable and resilient infrastructure for all communities. "By integrating green technologies and innovative design, we can create places that meet the needs of present and future generations."