FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ON THE NHA & ONGOS-VALLEY JOINT VENTURE IN LUSAKA SOUTH MFEZ HOUSING PROJECT

General Information

  1. Who is developing the housing project in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone (LS-MFEZ)? The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing  and Urban Development facilitated a joint venture between the National Housing Authority (NHA) and Ongos-Valley Development Company of Namibia. The joint venture between the two entities is responsible for developing the housing units.

Eligibility and Application Process

  1. Who is eligible to apply as a potential off-taker for a housing unit? All socioeconomic groups, including public and private sector workers, and those working in the informal sector, are eligible off-takers.
  2. How does one register as a potential off-taker of a housing unit? Interested individuals must complete both: (a) a physical off-taker registration form, and (b) an online registration form (click this link: https://forms.gle/u25yWaTv93Dog2gu7) for preliminary registration stating their provisional preferred house type and payment method.
  3. What documents are required for the application process? At the time of final applications for the houses as potential off-takers, the developers shall outline the required documentation in the registration process.
  4. Is there a waiting list for applicants? There is no waiting list, but a preliminary registration of off-takers is underway.

Housing Types and Costs

  1. What type of houses will be on offer? Affordable housing units of various cost categories shall be developed, with most of the units catering for the low- and medium-income groups where the need is highest.
  2. How much will the housing units cost? Detailed pricing for each house category will be provided in the project brochures between February and April 2025.
  3. How are housing prices determined? Are they fixed or subject to change? Pricing is an outcome of various inputs such as the cost of land and bulk service infrastructure. The prices for various housing units will be provided in project brochures.

Payment And Financing

  1. What is the mode of payment? Payment modes for this affordable housing project will include various options such as rent-to-own, mortgage facility, outright purchase and instalment/part-payment schemes.
  2. Is there an option for financing or mortgage arrangements with banks or financial institutions? Yes, mortgage facilities will be one of the payment options. A prospective off-taker is free to acquire a mortgage facility or other forms of financing from any banking and financial institution.
  3. Are there any subsidies or financial assistance programmes available for applicants? This will be communicated by Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development once all engagements with key external stakeholders are concluded.
  4. What happens if I can no longer make payments for my housing unit? Policies regarding non-payment or defaults will be clearly outlined in the terms and conditions to be signed by all prospective off-takers.

Construction and Project Timelines

  1. How many houses are expected to be constructed countrywide? This initiative aims to facilitate the delivery of over 100,000 housing units across the country, of which 10,000 units are earmarked to be constructed in the LS-MFEZ.
  2. What is the timeline for the completion of the housing projects? Construction begins in Q2 2025, with detailed timelines to be provided for each phase later.
  3. How do I track the progress of the housing development? The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development will constantly share updates and progress reports periodically through its official online platforms and media.

Ownership, Allocation and Customization

  1. How will the houses be allocated to successful applicants? Allocation will be based on the off-taker registration and set eligibility criteria, operating on a first-come, first-serve basis to avoid biases.
  2. Can I apply for more than one housing unit? This will depend on the final terms, which will be communicated in the project guidelines.
  3. Will the houses be available for rent or purchase? Both rent-to-own and purchase options will be available.
  4. Can I sell or transfer my housing unit after purchasing it? Transfer policies will be provided in detail in the project terms and conditions.
  5. Can I make customizations or modifications to my housing unit after purchase? Customization policies will be outlined in the terms of purchase to conform with applicable laws, regulations, and the project’s specifications.

Infrastructure and Sustainability

  1. Will the housing units come with infrastructure like water, electricity, and roads? Yes, basic infrastructure (such as water, sanitation, electricity, and passable roads) will be included.
  2. Are the housing units built with sustainable or eco-friendly materials? In line with the National Housing Policy, all materials and technologies used on government and non-government housing projects must meet sustainability guidelines. Therefore, all materials and technologies used will meet strict international and local sustainability specifications.
  3. What measures are in place to ensure the security of the housing estates? Security provisions have been considered and already incorporated into the estate planning and management for the project.

Additional Information

  1. What is the process for appealing a housing allocation decision? There will be a formal appeals process for applicants provided.
  2. Is there a warranty or maintenance support offered for the houses? This information will be provided in detail under the project guidelines.
  3. How can I get more information or assistance regarding the housing initiative? Further Information on the Housing Initiative can be obtained from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development and National Housing Authority.
  4. How will the housing initiative contribute to the local economy and job creation? Housing has a significant multiplier effect on the economy, impacting sectors such as finance and manufacturing. Any housing initiative contributes to the growth of the construction and manufacturing sectors, creates decent jobs, addresses unplanned settlements, and supports economic growth.
  5. Can retirees apply? Yes, retirees are eligible to apply.