Otjiwarongo  Build Together houses unoccupied seven year later

By: Josia Shigwedha

Activists in Otjiwarongo have raised concerns over 30 Build Together houses in the Orwetoveni location that have allegedly been unoccupied since their construction in 2019.

The activists question how funds allocated to build the houses were spent, as the units do not have water and electricity.

They are calling on the urban and rural development ministry to visit the area and address their concerns.

When NewsOnOne visited the location last week, some beneficiaries claimed they are forced to rent despite having been allocated houses. They say the units are too small and unsuitable for their families.

Local activist Gorsie Ubiteb said one of their concerns is that some occupants are reportedly being billed for water despite water not being connected.

“In this house even, a double bed will not fit, and people cannot even extend the houses, so it is difficult for us,” said Ubiteb.

Another activist, Alex Uapingene, said beneficiaries living in the houses have raised concerns about safety, as the units only have one door and no emergency exit.

“People got N$45 000 just to build a one room house with no kitchen and a toilet and the beneficiaries are not even allowed to add an extension of a structure to these houses and those with their kids are forced to live elsewhere. Others decided not to move in because the house is too small and end up staying wherever they are staying and the properties are getting damaged because the house is too small,” said Uapingene

Urban and rural development minister, James Sankwasa, said he could not comment on matters happening outside Windhoek, before referring the reporter to Otjiwarongo’s mayor.

Otjiwarongo mayor Leonard Simushi told NewsOnOne that he could not provide information about the 2019 housing project, as he was not mayor at the time.

He advised the reporter to direct the questions to the municipality’s Chief Executive Officer, Mberipura Hifitikeko, whose cellphone went unanswered.

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