to all forms of land rights, either as individuals or as members of family land
ownership trusts.
46.
ARTICLE 16: RIGHT TO ADEQUATE HOUSING
The Government through the Build Together Social Housing Sub-programme
is facilitating housing provision for welfare cases including the disadvantaged
groups on an economically sustainable basis through a cross subsidization
system. The houses are rented out for welfare cases at a very low interest rate
while renting to non-welfare cases at market related interest rates to
subsidize it. The Government also provides financial support of
N$
1
million (approx. US$ 117 647-00) annually to the Shack Dwellers Federation
of Namibia, a community savings group, as a recognition and encouragement
for their efforts in the provision of housing for the poor. The Majority of
members of the Shack Dwellers are women.
The Build Together Housing Programme is heavily subsidized by Government
with fixed interest rates of between 4 to 7%. The maximum housing loan is
N$ 40 000-00 (approx. US$ 4 000) repayable over a period of 20 years.
47.
ARTICLE 17: RIGHT TO POSITIVE CULTURAL CONTEXT
The Traditional Authorities Act, Act No. 25 of 2000 provide for establishment
and recognition of traditional leaders. There are women who are recognized as
traditional leaders in some communities as Chief and senior Councillors.
These traditional leaders lead their community and participate in Government
decision making process including the issues to influence policies as well as
determining cultural policies.
48.
ARTICLE 18: RIGHT TO A HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
Article 95(l) of Namibian Constitution provides that “maintenance of
ecosystems, essential ecological processes and biological diversity of Namibia
and utilization of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the
benefit of all Namibians, both present and future; in particular, the
Government shall provide measures against the dumping or recycling of
foreign nuclear and toxic waste on Namibian territory.”
Detailed information in this regard was provided in PART TWO (paragraph 24)
above.
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