By:Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus
Three corporate leaders have invested N$18 million for the construction of 395 houses across the country, the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) has revealed.
Ohorongo Cement, the FirstRand Namibia Foundation and the Pupkewitz Foundation partnered to support the construction of the 395 low-income houses since 2016.
At the ground breaking ceremony held on 19 April 2023, the SDFN and its three partners announced the launch of building 30 houses in Gobabis by the Federation .
The construction of 11 of these houses were made possible with the support of Ohorongo Cement and First National Bank, through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation.
During the launch, it was also revealed that 57 completed houses were handed over to low-income families in Gobabis.
Meanwhile, another 45 houses are under construction for 2023.
Ohorongo Cement Marketing Manager Carina Sowden, who represented the three partners at the event, said they share the same value and a firm conviction that together, the three can achieve much more than alone.
Sowden commended the government’s efforts to ensure a boost in housing stock through its Mass Housing Development Programme and the Massive Urban Land Servicing Programme.
“These efforts give us more reason to join hands in pursuing a common destiny that is inspired by true patriotism,” she said.
She said the partners wanted to inspire others in the private sector to support such initiatives as spearheaded by the SDFN. Such partnership, she said, enables SDFN to build more houses throughout the country and restore dignity, which gives true meaning to the partners.
Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate acknowledged the importance of partnership in reducing the country’s high-level inequality and called for more participation.
“Partnerships like this bridge the inequality gap within communities. Models such as these should be replicated,” he said.
The Governor donated 100 bags of cement to the Witvlei community to further support the SDFN initiatives.
Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Natalia |Goagoses highlighted her appreciation to the SDFN for bringing corporates together to support their housing initiative..
She also applauded the Federation for good corporate governance and transparency in operations, as all funds are accounted for.
The Ministry committed to donating over N$10 million to the SDFN as further support from government towards affordable housing.
She highlighted the Federation’s partnership with the three corporates, ties in well with Harambee Prosperity Plan and NDP5, and should be applauded.
“A united people will achieve, but a divided people will fall. Government cannot do it alone,” |Goagoses said.
SFDN’s partner, Namibia Housing Action Group noted that the Freedom Square Informal Settlement at Gobabis delivered the highest number of plots in Namibia.
Namibia has a housing backlog which is attributed to various factors, from low income, high unemployment, limited serviced land and access to mortgage credit.
Email: erastus@thevillager.com.na
Investment By Corporates Delivers 395 Houses …government promises to capitalise SDFN with N$10 million
