By: Leonard Witbeen

Luderitz mayor Phil Balhao says 15 000 people are projected to move into the costal town where there is a housing waiting list of 6000. Balhao told NewsonOne that the housing list has been growing year-on-year following the discoveries of oil and gas in the Orange basin.

He said although people were selling their property and leaving the town, they are now reinvesting in the town. He said homeowners are refurbishing their homes and deciding to stay because they are excited about the opportunities.

“So we have got a waiting list of approximately 6000 people already. I think it’s really is very difficult to cater to ultra low income groups if you don’t get a lot of support. The subsidizing does make it a lot easier for small council like us to provide land and housing to this growing list of ours,” remarked Balhao.

He added: Property prices have, especially in the private market, have escalated by between 30 and 50% already, which does put even more pressure on us at council to provide affordable housing to the very low income groups,” said the mayor. 

Balhao said they are working on different housing initiatives, but the biggest hurdle is servicing the land, which is three times more expensive than elsewhere in the country. 

“It’s really due to the very hard rock and the difficult topography of Luderitz. When it costs you about N$100 000 to service a plot, it is very difficult to sell that fully constructed house on for, let’s say, N$150 000 if the cost to the council was N$350 You need subsidised assistance from government.

In addition, the town is planning to construct a second port.  The mayor explained that the current port comes with a few challenges, such as the inability to cater to larger vessels.

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