Investigating the impact of rapid rural-urban migration on serviced land delivery in Okahao Town, Northern Namibia
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Date
2024
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This thesis investigates the profound impact of rapid rural-urban migration on
serviced land delivery in Okahao town, Northern Namibia. Designated as a local
authority in 2004, Okahao town operates under the constitutional framework of the
Republic of Namibia and the Local Authority Act 23 of 1992, as amended. The
escalating rural-urban migration in Okahao has intensified the demand for suitable
housing, leading to a surge in informal settlements among urban residents. The Town
Council of Okahao faces the daunting task of securing financial resources to service
an estimated 377 plots annually. This effort is aimed at meeting the ambitious target
of 3,770 serviced plots within a decade, commencing in 2021. Adopting a
phenomenological perspective, this study employs a qualitative research design,
utilizing structured interviews with fifteen participants drawn from the target
population, including rural-urban immigrants, local authority councillors, and
administrators. The study illuminates key drivers of rural-urban migration in Okahao
Town, encompassing factors such as rural poverty, limited job opportunities, access
to advanced technology, proximity to essential services like schools, hospitals, and
shops, as well as improved infrastructure like sanitation services and roads. The
demand for serviced land emerges as a pressing concern, with participants
emphasizing the need for swift and effective responses to address the housing deficit.
Recommendations stemming from the research findings advocate for the introduction
of best practices to promote housing programs and foster Public Private Partnerships
(PPP) for critical developmental projects, including land servicing initiatives.
Additionally, the study urges the implementation of the Flexible Land Tenure Act 4
of 2012, emphasizing flexible land tenure approaches for the equitable distribution
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and allocation of land. This thesis contributes valuable insights into the complex
interplay between rural-urban migration dynamics and serviced land delivery
processes in Okahao Town. The practical recommendations offered aim to guide
policymakers, urban planners, and relevant stakeholders in formulating strategies that
foster sustainable development and address the challenges posed by rapid
demographic shifts
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Degree of Masters of Arts in Development studies
Keywords
Impact, Rural-urban migration, Serviced land, University of Namibia, Namibia