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The National Housing Enterprise (NHE) in Namibia has announced the release of 2,500 serviced plots across the country to support the National Informal Settlement Upgrading Project (ISUP), a government-backed initiative aimed at providing affordable and decent homes for low-income earners living in informal settlements.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of NHE, Mr. Gisbertus Mukulu, the plots are in different phases of development and form part of the broader plan to deliver 2,000 new housing units by April 2026. Speaking to journalists in Windhoek, Mr. Mukulu explained that the plots were secured through ongoing partnerships with various local authorities, who have shown increasing support for the ISUP model.
“There has been a very encouraging response from many local authorities that NHE has engaged. So far, about 2,500 plots, which are at different levels of servicing, have been made available for the National Informal Settlement Upgrading Project,” he said.
Mr. Mukulu noted that the most recent progress was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NHE and the Usakos Town Council on 22 July 2025. He said this new collaboration opens the door for the construction of more homes for vulnerable families in the Usakos area.
“The MoU creates a framework for NHE and the council to cooperate and provide decent housing solutions to residents of Usakos. This is a key part of our ongoing efforts to meet the urgent housing needs of ordinary Namibians,” Mukulu added.
Although the number of housing units to be built in Usakos has not been confirmed, the Town Council has agreed to provide land to NHE for development under the ISUP scheme. The initiative aims to formalise informal settlements by ensuring residents have access to basic services like water, electricity, and sanitation.
The Mayor of Usakos, who was present at the signing ceremony, described the agreement as a major step forward for the town’s development and future. “Today’s MoU is more than a document. It is a declaration of hope, a commitment to progress, and a foundation upon which dreams will be built. Together, we are laying bricks of opportunity, security, and dignity for every family in Usakos,” she said.
Mr. Mukulu also revealed that the ISUP model is already being implemented successfully in several towns, including Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Otjiwarongo. He stressed that the housing model is designed to be affordable, with monthly repayments starting at N$400 for a one-bedroom unit, and N$1,200 for a three-bedroom home—figures tailored for households with limited income.
He added that the NHE is calling on more local governments to join hands with the agency to expand the reach of the housing programme and help more citizens escape poverty and homelessness.
“This initiative is not just about housing; it’s about restoring dignity and creating safe living environments for our people. With enough support, we can reduce overcrowding, end land invasions, and give more families the chance to own a home,” Mukulu said.
He further stressed that collaboration at all levels of government is vital to the success of ISUP and that strong partnerships with town councils, regional governors, and community leaders will determine how far the programme can go.
In a country where many urban dwellers still live in shacks or informal settlements, the National Informal Settlement Upgrading Project offers a pathway to ownership and dignity. For the NHE, the 2,500 available plots are just the beginning of a broader campaign to turn government policy into tangible results.
The NHE also said that the public will be kept updated on future MoUs and project milestones as more towns join the programme. The goal remains the same: to ensure that every Namibian, regardless of income level, can live in a secure, dignified, and well-serviced home.
