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A major milestone in inclusive housing was marked today as the groundbreaking ceremony for the Farm 37 Housing Project took place outside Walvis Bay under the Mass Informal Settlements Upgrading Programme.
The event brought together dignitaries, municipal officials, contractors, and residents. Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses hailed the project as “a new chapter in our journey toward sustainable development and economic growth,” emphasising that it aims to become a hub of opportunity, green spaces, and essential services.
Government has allocated N$600 million for housing in the 2025/26 financial year, with N$75 million set aside for Farm 37’s Phase 1. The Municipality of Walvis Bay added N$6 million to this investment. The Governor noted alignment with national and global frameworks like NDP6, Priority Area 7 of the Swapo Manifesto, and SDG 11 on sustainable settlements.
She urged contractors to prioritize purpose over profit, saying: “This is not just a housing project. It is a social development initiative.”
Deputy Mayor Saara Mutondoka highlighted the Council’s land allocation efforts and the continued commitment to address housing challenges, especially in the wake of the Twaloloka fire. “We are building not just houses, but homes and futures,” she said.
Phase 1 involves the construction of 200 houses, easing backyard overcrowding and providing secure tenure. Contractors are required to hire local unskilled and semi-skilled labour from Farm 37 to boost community participation and benefit.
Both the Governor and Deputy Mayor called for unified support from all stakeholders to ensure the project’s success. Although today marked the ceremonial launch, construction is already underway, reflecting the Council’s proactive stance on accelerating service delivery.
Although the groundbreaking ceremony took place today, the site had already been officially handed over to the contractors, and construction work is actively underway. This early start is a clear demonstration of the Council’s proactive approach and unwavering commitment to accelerating service delivery and addressing the urgent housing needs of the community.
As the first shovels hit the ground, the project symbolized more than construction, it represented hope, inclusion, and a shared commitment to progress.
#MunicipalityOfWalvisBay #WalvisBayHousing #Farm37Development #ServiceDeliveryInAction
