Windhoek, Namibia — The City of Windhoek requires at least N$7 billion to effectively address the growing housing shortage, particularly within its rapidly expanding informal settlements. This was revealed by Faniel Maanda, Strategic Executive for Housing, Property Management, and Human Settlement, during a presentation to a visiting delegation from the City of Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday.

Urban Migration Driving Housing Shortage
Maanda highlighted that the housing crisis in Windhoek is largely fueled by urban migration, as people relocate to the capital in search of better economic opportunities. Windhoek, as Namibia’s only city, serves as a magnet for job seekers from across the country.

The city’s population is currently growing at an annual rate of 3.1%, but informal settlements are expanding at an even faster rate of 6.1%. At this pace, Windhoek’s population is expected to double within the next 21 years — a trend that places immense pressure on housing infrastructure and service delivery.

Policy Interventions and Housing Initiatives
To mitigate the escalating housing challenge, the City of Windhoek has introduced several policy interventions and housing initiatives. Among these are the Informal Settlement Upgrading Project and the Council Affordable Housing Programme, both aimed at improving living conditions and expanding access to affordable housing for low-income residents.

Lessons from Cape Town
The Cape Town delegation, led by City Manager Lungelo Mbandazayo, is in Windhoek for a five-day familiarization visit to exchange knowledge and best practices around urban management and housing development.

Following Maanda’s presentation, Mbandazayo emphasized the urgency of addressing informal settlements before they become unmanageable. He shared Cape Town’s own challenges, where land invasions have escalated to the point where some residents have illegally occupied public parks and, in extreme cases, even cemeteries.

On-Site Visit to Freedomland
As part of their visit, the Cape Town delegation toured Freedomland, one of the areas where houses have been constructed under the Informal Settlement Upgrading Project. The visit provided firsthand insight into Windhoek’s housing interventions and the progress being made to improve conditions for residents in informal areas.

A Shared Challenge
With rapid urbanization posing similar housing challenges across African cities, the exchange between Windhoek and Cape Town highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and proactive policy-making to ensure sustainable urban development.