PDM urges focus on improving lives of ordinary Namibians - nbc

The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has called on policymakers to shift their focus toward improving the daily lives of ordinary Namibians.
Its president, McHenry Venaani, made a call at a media briefing where he raised a concern over living conditions, inequality and what he termed Parliament's failure to adequately respond to the people's needs.

Venaani highlighted the lack of access to basic services and the gap between the rich and the poor, saying these are urgent issues in need of address.
He says restoring people's dignity starts with granting them access to essential services, including proper water and sanitation and decent housing. 

"How many times should Namibians go to elections to wait for a promise of a better Namibia if politicians are not delivering that? So I'm calling upon policymakers across the breadth and the length of the political divide. Colleagues, we need to do more. One, we must develop a high agent speed to deliver the problems of the people of this country. We have been asking for social housing, to build flats, to build just 1,000 flats and to give it to all the people that are employed. You will reduce these garages that are costing N$4,000," stressed Venaani. 

He called for increased investment in social housing, saying affordable homes could ease the pressure on rental prices and improve the quality of life for young professionals and low-income earners.

"All of you journalists are struggling to buy houses. Not only you, but also members of parliament. Do you know why you are struggling to buy houses? Their prices are too high. It's unaffordable. And do you know why it is unaffordable? Because the land is too little. There's too few land available. Too high demand of buyers and a low output of delivery of land. If 10 people are looking for one bull, that bull would cost N$100-thousand because it's 10 people that want it. But if there were two people competing for that one bull at an auction, it would be cheaper because there are only two buyers. That's why a land in Academia here, 600 square, is N$1.2 million. There's no house; there's nothing."

Another key issue raised was land and property ownership in rural areas.

Venaani noted that numerous elders in rural areas own houses there but cannot use them as economic assets due to the lack of property rights, which in turn limits access to loans, investment and development opportunities.
He implored policymakers to prioritise long-term planning and research to ensure sustainable development for future generations.