Namibians are paying more than ever to secure a roof over their heads.

In a notice to the National Assembly, PDM MP Inna Hengari revealed that the average rent for a two-bedroom unit in Windhoek has risen to over N$7,300 per month, a 14.7% increase in just one year. 

She attributed this spike to an increasing housing scarcity.

"This scarcity enables landlords to charge exorbitant rents, often requiring deposits equivalent to one month's rent, which are not placed in interest-bearing accounts, depriving tenants of financial growth. The Rent Ordinance 13 of 1977 provides for Rent Boards to regulate rents and address tenant complaints, yet these boards have been largely non-functional since 1990/1991, leaving tenants unprotected in an unregulated market."

Hengari posed a set of questions to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, on what is being done to address the situation. 

She also wanted to know why tenants' deposits are set at the equivalent of a month's rent and what the government is doing to accelerate affordable housing development.

With inflation at 5.1% and wages failing to keep up, Hengari said urgent reform is not just about fairness but survival.

Her questions will be answered during Thursday's session.

The government has, however, embarked on deliberate projects to address the housing needs, focusing on land delivery, upgrading of informal settlements, and providing affordable housing options through entities such as the National Housing Enterprises and social housing groups.