Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Ministry of Urban and Rural Development

Also known as: MURD

Government ministry overseeing urban and rural development, housing programmes, traditional authorities, and regional decentralisation in Namibia.

2025-11-252026-06-08
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. March 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Ministry of Urban and Rural Development controls the National Housing Policy of 2023

    Source

    “The hope is that the task force will support the operationalising of the National Housing Policy of 2023, that is under the control of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.”

    Avoiding the Ghosts of Mass Housing Past

  3. New Era

    Ministry of Urban and Rural Development led sanitation programmes improving hygiene in rural communities.

    Source

    “Sanitation programmes led by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and regional councils have improved hygiene in rural communities through household toilets and other facilities.”

    From marginalisation to modernisation … Namibia’s ongoing rural transformation

  4. New Era

    Ministry of Urban and Rural Development reported rural–urban population is now roughly 50–50

    Source

    “According to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD), the rural–urban population is now roughly 50–50, highlighting the urgency of addressing migration trends while maintaining the rural identity.”

    Rural-urban migration spikes … villages, towns’ population 50-50

  5. New Era

    Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has taken to court Kunene Regional Council

    Source

    “According to the UDF, the ministry has taken the regional council to court, resulting in both parties hiring private lawyers using public funds.”

    Human-wildlife conflict talks …as UDF engages NNN

  6. New Era

    Ministry of Urban and Rural Development allocated N$5.6 million to service plots at Block 103

    Source

    “The funds were allocated by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to the tune of N$ 5.6 million.”

    On the spot with Festus Hamalwa – Muma champions people centred development

  7. New Era

    Ministry of Urban and Rural Development is promoting a national strategy involving prepaid meter rollout to help local authorities reduce debts

    Source

    “Responding to questions, Rehoboth mayor Jackie ‡Khariseb, said the prepaid meter rollout is part of a national strategy by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) to help local authorities reduce mounting debts to bulk service providers such as NamWater and NamPower.”

    N$70m prepaid meters for beleaguered Rehoboth

  8. New Era

    Ministry of Urban and Rural Development approved Mutwa's designation as chief

    Source

    “The succession involved a prolonged dispute and legal challenges before the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development approved his designation.”

    Masubia’s financial crisis

  9. New Era

    Ministry of Urban and Rural Development introduced a five-level upgrading classification system to measure progress

    Source

    “He added that, to measure progress in upgrading, the NSA and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development introduced a five-level upgrading classification system.”

    Namibia’s over 400 informal settlements … 200 000 live there
  10. February 2026

  11. The Namibian

    Ministry of Urban and Rural Development failed to meet some key performance indicators

    Source

    “According to Kandjeke, the ministry failed to meet some of its key performance indicators (KPIs).”

    Urban ministry fails to meet targets

  12. The Namibian

    Ministry of Urban and Rural Development recorded total actual expenditure of N$1.05 billion

    Source

    “Despite the challenges, the ministry recorded total actual expenditure of N$1.05 billion.”

    Urban ministry fails to meet targets
Politics

NALAO questions fairness of Omaruru CEO's suspension

The News

The Namibia Association of Local Authority Officials has raised concerns that the suspension of Omaruru municipality CEO Valentinus Sindongo may violate fair labour practices and due process, warning that procedurally flawed disciplinary measures undermine good governance and public confidence in local authorities.

Why it matters

NALAO's challenge to Omaruru CEO's suspension highlights concerns about due process and governance in local authority management.

6 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 6 June

  1. NALAO questions fairness of Omaruru CEO's suspension

    The Namibia Association of Local Authority Officials has raised concerns that the suspension of Omaruru municipality CEO Valentinus Sindongo may violate fair labour practices and due process, warning that procedurally flawed disciplinary measures undermine good governance and public confidence in local authorities.

    6 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Swakopmund advances housing and infrastructure expansion plans

    The Municipality of Swakopmund is pursuing multiple housing, land servicing and infrastructure projects under its 20-Year Structure Plan to accommodate growth and address informal settlement housing needs. Land parcels for low, middle and high-income residential developments have been identified and submitted for approval expected in 2026, while the municipality also progresses commercial township and precinct development projects.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 1 June

  1. Funding shortfall halts Eenhana town council office building

    Eenhana Town Council's N$119-million office building project, begun in 2018, has stalled due to delayed funding; N$9 million is urgently needed to complete the finance wing so staff and customers can use it. The council has operated from an eight-office building since 1999 despite Eenhana's population growing from 2,600 to 16,000.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. Windhoek mayor's Azerbaijan trip draws scrutiny from activists

    Activist Sem David has called on the City of Windhoek and Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to release full details of mayor Sackarias Uunona's trip to the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, questioning the purpose and cost of the visit and why technical officials were not sent instead.

    26 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Uukolonkadhi chieftainship succession dispute escalates to High Court

    Johannes Asino has filed an urgent application in the High Court of Namibia to challenge the minister of urban and rural development's January decision recognising Malakia Shoombe as the new chief of the Uukolonkadhi Traditional Authority, following the death of chief Daniel Shooya in October 2024. Asino claims he is the rightful successor, nominated by the late chief in 1996 and endorsed by the royal family, and alleges the minister's decision was unlawful and procedurally unfair.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 18 May

  1. Social media rental finder scams rising in Namibia

    The Namibian Police report growing complaints from people scammed by unregistered rental finders on social media, with some tenants losing between N$1,500 and N$11,000 in fake deposits for properties they never secured, particularly in Windhoek.

    18 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ministry investigates Omaruru double plot allocations and governance failures

    The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has launched an investigation into Omaruru Municipality over allegations of double plot allocations, governance failures, and irregular accommodation arrangements involving the chief executive, as well as failure to hold regular council meetings. Minister James Sankwasa said some allegations appear valid while others stem from misunderstandings, and an internal audit is pending to determine the scope of the issues.

    18 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 16 May

  1. |Khomanin community moves to remove queen and council

    Members of the |Khomanin Landless Association are preparing to push for the removal of Gaos Juliane Gawa-!Nas and her traditional council, citing allegations of unlawful land sales, lack of accountability, and financial mismanagement over the past 15 years. The |Khomanin Traditional Authority has rejected the planned change and threatened legal action, describing the allegations as a smear campaign.

    16 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 15 May

  1. Human rights activist raises governance concerns at Uukwambi Traditional Authority

    Phil ya Nangoloh, founder of NamRights Incorporated, has called for an investigation into alleged administrative irregularities and governance failures at the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, arguing they undermine administrative justice and constitutional rights and may create conditions for corruption.

    15 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 14 May

  1. Government hands youth and sports functions to regional councils

    The government has officially transferred youth and sports functions from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture to regional councils. Minister Sankwasa said decentralisation requires regional structures to demonstrate commitment to performance, accountability, and improved management.

    14 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 11 May

  1. City of Windhoek reports debt reduction amid service criticism

    The City of Windhoek announced a reduction in debt from N$888 million to N$869 million, but residents criticized the municipality for spending heavily on salaries while service delivery remains poor, citing issues with waste collection and road repairs.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Petrus Sindimba transferred to Office of Prime Minister

    Petrus Sindimba, Executive Director of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, has been reassigned to the Office of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretariat, as Executive Director Grade 1 without accounting responsibilities, effective 1 May 2026, following a Public Service Commission recommendation.

    5 May 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 29 April

  1. Vaalgras community frustrated over eight-year chief appointment delay

    Community members in Vaalgras, ||Kharas region, express frustration over an eight-year delay in appointing a new Traditional Authority chief following Joel Stephanus's death. Community member Fritz Stephanus alleges that traditional authority councillors are deliberately causing delays and artificial disputes, potentially motivated by their own ambitions to become chief.

    29 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 24 April

  1. Government commits N$137 million to build 3,106 low-income houses

    The government has committed N$137 million to building 3,106 low-income houses through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, implemented by the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, to address the country's housing backlog. The project is part of broader efforts to formalise informal settlements and prioritise completing stalled units under the Mass Housing Development Programme, though the ministry's 2026/27 budget has been reduced from N$2.67 billion to N$1.95 billion.

    24 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 22 April

  1. Bondelswarts Traditional Authority offices closed for years

    Bondelswarts Traditional Authority offices at Gibeon and Warmbad have been closed for over two years and more than eight years respectively, delaying communal land services and affecting residents' ability to obtain land rights certification. The closures stem from a chieftainship succession dispute and ongoing High Court case challenging the October 2025 inauguration of chief Denzyl Christians.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

  1. Dâure Daman Traditional Authority claims exclusion from Act workshop

    The Dâure Daman Traditional Authority says it was not notified of a government workshop in Otjiwarongo to discuss amendments to the Traditional Authority Act, though the urban ministry spokesperson says all traditional authority leaders were invited through the Council of Traditional Leaders. The authority's adviser expressed concerns about lack of transparency on proposed changes and called for traditional authorities to have greater legal rights over natural resources.

    13 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ongwediva and Outapi struggle with ageing sewerage systems

    Ongwediva's sewerage infrastructure, designed for 5,000 residents, now serves over 33,000 people and is operating far beyond capacity, while Outapi faces similar pressures with a system over 29 years old. Both towns cite funding constraints and lack of central government support as barriers to upgrading their wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure.

    13 April 2026 · New Era →

Friday 10 April

  1. Divundu council chief defends land and service delivery record

    Divundu Village Council CEO Athanasius Maghumbo responded to community concerns about land compensation delays, plot allocation criteria, and basic services, stating the council has paid N$18 million in compensation and does not sideline local residents in allocation processes. He disputed allegations of relocation to unserviced areas and untreated wastewater discharge, and said the council is prioritizing upgrading its oxidation pond and developing two new townships once funding becomes available.

    10 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 9 April

  1. Lake Liambezi farmers harvest crops before advancing floodwaters

    Farmers around Lake Liambezi are rushing to harvest maize, sorghum and other crops weeks early as floodwaters advance from Angola through the Zambezi Region. The premature harvesting follows earlier locust damage, and officials warn more severe flooding is expected in coming weeks, with water levels potentially rising above seven metres and affecting multiple constituencies including Kabbe South, Sibbinda and Katima Rural.

    9 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Ministry receives N$2b budget; housing backlog priority

    The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has been allocated N$2 billion for 2026/2027, with an additional N$1.5 billion from the National Housing Enterprise to accelerate housing construction and address Namibia's housing backlog. The ministry has prioritised informal settlement formalisation and rural development, though infrastructure constraints—particularly ageing sewer systems requiring an estimated N$2.5 billion in upgrades—threaten to slow progress.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 2 April

  1. Omaruru advances housing, market projects amid infrastructure limits

    The Omaruru Town Council is developing housing, market, and electrification projects to improve living conditions, but faces constraints from land servicing limitations and bulk infrastructure capacity, particularly a reliance on septic systems that restricts town expansion.

    2 April 2026 · New Era →

Monday 30 March

  1. Windhoek needs N$1 billion yearly to address housing backlog

    The City of Windhoek requires N$1 billion annually over four years to tackle a 60,000-unit housing backlog driven by rapid urban migration and insufficient funding. Current annual funding of around N$290 million falls far short, and the city may miss its 2030 deadline to address the shortage unless more resources are allocated.

    30 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 26 March

  1. MURD launches five-year plan aligned to Vision 2030

    The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development launched its 2025–2030 strategic plan, anchored on sustainable human settlement, effective governance, and regional development. Minister James Sankwasa urged officials to adopt long-term thinking to support Namibia's industrialisation and align with Vision 2030, warning against short-sighted approaches.

    26 March 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 22 March

  1. New housing task force must learn from failed mass programme

    A land and spatial sciences professional warns that Namibia's new presidential task force on land and housing risks repeating the mistakes of the failed Mass Housing Development Programme unless it addresses past failures—including poor accountability, weak project management, cost overruns, unaffordable units, inadequate local authority support, and lack of transparency.

    22 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 20 March

  1. Namibia celebrates rural progress while gaps persist after 36 years

    Three decades into independence, Namibia has expanded rural infrastructure including water supplies reaching 92.85% of rural households, constructed 419 new schools mostly in villages, and grown the road network from 41,800km to nearly 49,000km. However, challenges including high poverty, food insecurity, and uneven access to services remain, with experts noting the urban-rural development gap has not been fully closed.

    20 March 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 19 March

  1. Rural-urban migration drives Namibia toward 50-50 population split

    Poor living conditions and lack of employment and services in rural areas are driving Namibians to towns and cities, with the rural and urban population now roughly equal. The government is implementing programmes including small-scale farming support and infrastructure development in rural areas to create opportunities and encourage people to remain in villages.

    19 March 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 14 March

  1. Windhoek plans over 11,000 erven to formalise informal settlements

    The City of Windhoek plans to formalise informal settlements by creating approximately 11,226 erven, with 3,587 in the first phase. The city is fast-tracking land-use planning, completing environmental assessments, and launching an electrification project to expand basic services in informal areas within one to two months.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 13 March

  1. UDF raises human-wildlife conflict and rural development concerns

    The United Democratic Front highlighted pressing challenges affecting communities in Kunene and northern regions during a consultative meeting with President Nandi-Ndaitwah, including human-wildlife conflict that is impoverishing rural households, a legal dispute involving the regional council, housing shortages, and educational inequality between rural and urban schools. The party noted that rural residents bear the costs of wildlife conservation while wild animals are regarded as national assets, and proposed dialogue-based solutions to ongoing disputes.

    13 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Okongo Village Council CEO outlines five-year development plans

    Jackson Muma, CEO of Okongo Village Council, discussed ongoing infrastructure and land delivery projects, including servicing 55 plots in Block 103 with N$5.6 million in funding, allocating 121 semi-serviced plots to the Shack Dwellers Federation, and developing an open market. Over the next five years, the council plans to position Okongo as an investment centre focusing on agriculture, tourism, and sports development, including construction of a 7-hectare sports field.

    13 March 2026 · New Era →

  3. Urban ministry's budget cut will worsen housing backlog, IPC warns

    An IPC parliamentarian criticized the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development's reduced N$1.9-billion budget, arguing it will fail to address Namibia's housing shortage. He noted the ministry received N$2.7 billion the previous year but built only 194 housing units in Windhoek and Opuwo combined, while an estimated 12,000 shacks are erected annually.

    13 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Ministry of Urban and Rural Development — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute