Northern housing waiting lists top 35 000
Three towns in northern Namibia are facing a significant housing crisis, with over 35,000 people currently on waiting lists for residential land. Local authorities are attempting to address the shortage through new township developments and infrastructure projects, though progress is hindered by regulatory delays.
Why it matters
The housing backlog highlights critical infrastructure and urbanization challenges in developing economies, impacting social stability and economic growth.
OSHAKATI – More than 35 500 people are currently waiting for residential land across the towns of Oshakati, Ondangwa and Ongwediva, highlighting the growing housing crisis in northern Namibia despite ongoing efforts by local authorities to service land and develop new townships.
Figures provided by the three local authorities show that Oshakati has more than 18,000 applicants on its housing waiting list, Ondangwa has a combined 12 605 applicants on its formal and informal settlement waiting lists, while Ongwediva has 5 166 registered applicants.
Together, the three towns account for at least 35 771 people waiting for residential land.
Ongwediva Town Council spokesperson Ottilie Shingenge said the rising demand for serviced land remains one of the council’s biggest challenges. “Addressing this challenge remains one of council’s strategic priorities,” she said.
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