In the past few years the condition of the houses in Walvis Bay has deteriorated to such an extent that residents have complained bitterly to the local news media and the municipality. In a recent article in the Namib Times residents who have property adjacent to these houses have lodged an urgent appeal to the municipality to intervene describing the situation as critical. They demanded that the South African government be compelled into a decision about the future of the houses.

The houses have been vacant for a number of years and have been stripped of fixtures, while vagrants and suspected criminals have from time to time been spotted at these properties. Apart from being an eyesore, residents also noted in the letter to the municipality that the property has become a health risk. "Human faeces are found inside and the smell emanating from the property is disgusting. The front door and windows are missing. Newspapers have reported on this yet no action is evident. As tax paying residents we ask that the Municipality force the SA High Commission to act immediately."

"We are aware of the condition of these houses, but the decision to sell the property took some time due to internal government processes. All the properties will be open for viewing as from 26 March, and although the houses in Walvis Bay may not be in a good condition, it is the land itself and its location that will be of interest, Those who end up buying the property will no doubt demolish the existing structures and build new houses," Koni added.

Tender documents will be available at the High Commission as from 16 March 2010, while interested buyers can also obtain the documents via an e-mail address that will be advertised.