People living at Oranjemund plan to march against a severe housing shortage affecting the southern town. Rising rent costs and eviction warnings have created anger among community members. Viral social media messages spread the word about upcoming demonstrations. Town officials confirm the crisis has reached dangerous levels. Mining company Namdeb sends removal notices to apartment residents.
Management committee leader Guame Stephanus admits the town faces serious problems. Single rooms cost 3,000 Namibian dollars per month as landlords take advantage of desperate families. The council built 56 homes under a purchase program but private companies refuse to help. Property owners prefer rental profits over affordable housing solutions. Council members asked for 50 million dollars from property sales to fund cheaper homes.
Mining companies move workers from other towns to Oranjemund and need housing for staff. Local government cannot handle all the displaced families seeking shelter. Council leaders gave out 85 building plots recently but most people cannot afford construction costs. Officials want Oranjemund to become the first town without informal settlements. Progress remains slow despite working with housing groups and investors.
Protest organizer Wilhelmina Shilongo says many renters lived there for decades. These families paid utility bills through the town council and signed contracts with Namdeb. The town opened to public access after years as a closed mining area. Demand for homes jumped but supply stayed low. Protesters want government action on affordable housing, rent controls and oversight boards.
Management committee leader Guame Stephanus admits the town faces serious problems. Single rooms cost 3,000 Namibian dollars per month as landlords take advantage of desperate families. The council built 56 homes under a purchase program but private companies refuse to help. Property owners prefer rental profits over affordable housing solutions. Council members asked for 50 million dollars from property sales to fund cheaper homes.
Mining companies move workers from other towns to Oranjemund and need housing for staff. Local government cannot handle all the displaced families seeking shelter. Council leaders gave out 85 building plots recently but most people cannot afford construction costs. Officials want Oranjemund to become the first town without informal settlements. Progress remains slow despite working with housing groups and investors.
Protest organizer Wilhelmina Shilongo says many renters lived there for decades. These families paid utility bills through the town council and signed contracts with Namdeb. The town opened to public access after years as a closed mining area. Demand for homes jumped but supply stayed low. Protesters want government action on affordable housing, rent controls and oversight boards.
