Windhoek Showcases Informal Settlement Upgrading Project to Cape Town Delegation. A delegation from the City of Cape Town, led by City Manager Lungelo Mbandazayo, toured Windhoek’s pilot project for upgrading informal settlements. The initiative, spearheaded by the City of Windhoek in collaboration with the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, Khomas Regional Council, and National Housing Enterprise, aims to provide affordable housing solutions for low-income residents.
The delegation was hosted by Faniel Maanda, Strategic Executive for Housing, Property Management & Human Settlement, who provided insights into the project’s objectives and implementation. The initiative seeks to improve living conditions by constructing modern, energy-efficient homes equipped with solar geysers.
Currently, 170 homes have been made available, each featuring two bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen. The project offers residents a path to homeownership, with rental payments ranging from N$1,100 to N$2,300 per month until the property is fully paid off.
The visiting officials commended Windhoek’s efforts in maintaining order and ensuring structural integrity in informal settlement upgrades. Mbandazayo highlighted the importance of such initiatives in addressing urban housing challenges and emphasized the need for continuous investment in sustainable housing solutions.
The tour provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange between the two cities, with discussions focusing on best practices, funding models, and long-term strategies for urban housing development.
