Interview: Herbert Jauch Welcomes New Momentum on Housing Delivery Targets

Social Justice Activist Herbert Jauch says recent comments by Urban and Rural Development Minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa offer a promising sign that government may finally be taking its housing delivery obligations more seriously.

Speaking after a housing handover event, Jauch noted that past political declarations — including former President Hage Geingob’s pledge to eradicate informal settlements — have failed to translate into tangible outcomes. “Nothing has happened ever after. But what is hopefully different this time is the setting of a modest and concrete target: 10,000 housing units a year,” Jauch said.

He applauded the minister’s willingness to outline where the government currently stands and which players are involved in the housing process. Notably, Jauch welcomed Sankwasa’s recognition of community-driven initiatives such as the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, which empowers low-income citizens to contribute toward their own housing solutions.

“The fact that the Minister mentioned the Shack Dwellers Federation and initiatives like Buy-a-Brick is particularly encouraging,” he said. “It shows a shift towards acknowledging and supporting grassroots efforts as part of the national housing strategy.”

Jauch further expressed hope that a combination of these housing efforts — when coordinated and supported by government — could help meet the annual 10,000-unit goal. “And if this year’s target is achieved, it can hopefully be accelerated in the years to come, because the backlog is still massive.”

He emphasized that while there is still a long way to go, this marks the first time in years that housing delivery targets seem to be linked to actionable plans rather than being vague public relations promises. “The difference now is the seriousness with which these goals are being approached. Let’s hope that this time, it’s not just talk — but real progress.”