Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Donald Matthys
Published on 2024-04-18 17:00:00
The City of Windhoek has stated that the proposed affordable housing development at Brakwater, led by businessman and activist Michael Amushelelo, will not proceed until he meets the requirements of the Water Resource Management Act and provides a clear plan for the sewer reticulation system.
Amushelelo has been collecting funds from potential homeowners for four years but has not been able to start the project. As a result, many beneficiaries are now requesting refunds, feeling deceived by the situation.
Lydia Amutenya, the City of Windhoek spokesperson, explained that there is uncertainty about how and where the sewage from the planned houses will be discharged to ensure compliance with the Water Resource Management Act. Without meeting all the obligations for the proposed township establishment, the project cannot move forward legally.
Establishing a new township in Namibia involves a complex legal process governed by the Urban and Regional Planning Act of 2018. This process culminates in the township being legally proclaimed in the Government Gazette.
The act mandates that township establishment proposals meet specific conditions to address legal, economic, social, and environmental considerations. One crucial requirement is the provision of adequate engineering services, including a sewerage system.
Amushelelo’s housing scheme, Property Group Save Namibia, seeks to construct 150 affordable houses for middle-income earners on unserviced plots. Despite his efforts, the project faces challenges due to the lack of a sewer system.
The City rejected Amushelelo’s request to utilize the Ujams Wastewater Treatment Plant for the project, as it is designed to treat industrial sewage, not domestic sewage. An initial application for the project was submitted in July 2022, but technical issues led to its return. Despite a resubmission in July 2023, the sewage problem remained unresolved.
Amushelelo acknowledges the high cost and additional land requirement to build a sewerage facility from scratch at the development. He remains determined to proceed with the project, even considering purchasing additional land at inflated prices if the City’s approval is not granted for the Ujams option.
Challenges also arise from hostile neighbors who oppose the project, fearing an influx of residents from Katutura, increased crime, and noise pollution. Despite these obstacles, Amushelelo remains committed to moving forward with the project.
The City of Windhoek and Amushelelo’s team continue to engage on the necessary technical and regulatory requirements to resolve the sewage issue and advance the affordable housing development at Brakwater.
Read the original article on The Namibian
