The Walvis Bay Backyard Tenants Group has taken a proactive step towards securing adequate housing by applying for the lease of Portions 10 and 11 of Farm 37. This move aims to provide temporary accommodation for members while they work on developing Portion 19 of the same farm.
On 25 July 2023, the group was conditionally allocated Portion 19 by the Walvis Bay Municipality. However, this allocation comes with the stipulation that the group must handle town planning and land servicing at their own expense. To meet these requirements, the group has begun raising funds, with each member contributing N$380 per month to cover planning, surveying, purchasing, and servicing costs.
Currently, members are paying between N$1,000 and N$1,800 in rent for their existing accommodations. This, combined with future costs at Portion 19, means members could face monthly expenses ranging from N$1,380 to N$2,000. This financial strain poses a significant challenge to their goal of homeownership.
To alleviate this burden, the group is seeking to lease unoccupied plots at Portions 10 and 11 of Farm 37 for a nominal fee of N$15 per plot per month. They have identified 786 members interested in leasing these plots until Portion 19 is fully serviced. Among these members, 213 have their own transport, ensuring daily commutes to Green Valley will not be problematic.
Additionally, the group plans to manage sanitation by contributing N$5 per household per month towards the maintenance of pit latrines. They are also requesting street pre-paid water taps for temporary use until the necessary infrastructure at Portion 19 is in place.
This strategic approach demonstrates the group’s commitment to overcoming current challenges and ensuring their members have suitable living conditions as they work towards long-term housing solutions.
For more information on the Walvis Bay Backyard Tenants Group’s application and their plans for Farm 37, read the full details here.