Urban areas sees rapid increase in housing needs
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Sunday November 9, 2025 12:42
He said, according to the 2022 Housing Census, about 37.2% of urban households live in single multiple-purpose rooms (an all-in-one room including bathroom and kitchen space), of which about 18.3% are overcrowded (more than three people occupying a room).
“Access to adequate housing is constrained by issues of affordability, and this situation is worsened by the high prevalence of poverty and unemployment in our country. Other challenges include the poor quality of housing structures and lack of essential services such as sanitation, particularly in rural areas,” he said.
While on issues of water security, Ramogapi pointed out that the country has a national water deficit of 17.3%, and if not addressed, the deficit is anticipated to increase to about 51% by 2035 (National Water Master Plan Update, 2018).
Furthermore, he highlighted that the water scarcity is exacerbated by climate change (reduced/low rainfall and recurring droughts) as it results in low recharge of dams and underground water sources.
“This consequently affects activities in the various sectors of the economy, particularly Agriculture, Wildlife and Tourism,” he revealed. “But pointed out that the other major challenge for the water sector is the limited water supply distribution network, which is a result of dilapidated water supply infrastructure and geographical expansion of demand centres.”
These, in some cases, have led to high levels of water bowsing, which comes with increased operational costs for the water sector. Still on issues of water, he said insufficient sanitation infrastructure and services have led to pollution of water resources and the environment in some areas.
He, however, said about 5% of the country’s population (UNICEF/WHO-Joint Monitoring Programme for Water and Sanitation, 2023) still practice open defecation due to insufficient sanitation facilities, especially in rural areas and along the major highways.
The Minister said the problem of open defecation causes pollution of the environment, posing a threat to ambient water quality. As for NDP 12 proposed programmes and projects, the Minister pointed out that P47.2 million is being proposed for the implementation of housing, water and sanitation projects identified to address the issues stated above.
“The projects will be implemented in five programmes as follows: National Housing Programme (P7,345,400,000). The sum of about P7.345 billion is being proposed for the implementation of the National Housing Programme. The target for NDP 12 is to develop a total of 100,000 housing units. The proposed budget will be used to finance the development of houses through the Turnkey Development Schemes, Home Improvement Scheme, Integrated Poverty Alleviation Scheme, Commercial Housing, Institutional Housing and the District Housing Programme,” he said.
He said the National Housing Programme will not only increase access to adequate housing but also support income generation and employment creation.