From Shack to Shelter – Realizing a Dream

Mr Moses !Omeb, new home owner Ouma Johanna Ramlow

Twenty members of the Shack Dwellers Federation Namibia (SDFN) officially received keys to their houses from the Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Silvia Makgone, at Otavi today (6 December 2017).

With an average of four people per household, over 100 people now have decent shelter and a place to call home.

The twenty houses are a direct result of the N$6 million contribution by Ohorongo Cement, FNB Foundation Trust and Pupkewitz Foundation over the past 2 years, to enable the SDFN to accelerate the delivery of community driven housing for low income families countrywide.

“This is an important milestone for Namibia in its quest to ensure decent housing for all. Empathy for fellow Namibians and supporting Government initiatives are the driving factors which motivated the companies to join hands in the fight against poverty eradication, through supporting SDFN,” said Hans-Wilhelm Schütte, M.D. of Ohorongo Cement, speaking on behalf of the 3 partners.

The total contribution by the partners thus far has been cement by Ohorongo to the value of N$ 2 000 000, building materials by Pupkewitz Foundation worth N$2 000 000, while the FNB Namibia Foundation Trust contributed N$2 000 000 in cash to SDFN. This partnership is further strengthened by Neo Paints who joined the initiative, and they committed products and skills training to the value of N$350 000 over a 2 year period.

Hon. Makgone applauded the partners for their support, saying; “It is not insurmountable if we as government, private institutions and the community pull our resources and efforts together and develop inclusive, equitable and innovative strategies such as this initiative.”

This partnership is a direct result on the plea for private sector and the public at large to assist in the provision of housing nationwide, in support of Namibia’s development policies aimed at leading the country towards prosperity, as contained in the Harambee Prosperity Plan. Since the launch of this Public Private Partnership initiative, the project moved forward with giant leaps, as bricks were being manufactured and foundations poured. Representatives of the three private partners also worked side by side with the Otavi community during the development phase, manufacturing bricks and digging foundations, showing true dedication.

The SDFN creates the opportunity for Namibians to improve their general standard of living. By taking personal responsibility, members are given the opportunity to build a personal asset, which not only improves their lives, but also creates personal wealth.

“You are an example to us all of what can be done in our ongoing struggle for economic independence. Through your efforts, you have shown that there can be a solution to problems that we are struggling with every day. Inequality and poverty is a stark and undeniable feature to our nation. Fortunately, there are reasons to believe that we can succeed in our search for better prospects for our people,” said the Governor of Otjozondjupa Region Hon. Otto Ipinge in a speech read in his behalf.

Thus far, a total of 91 new houses were built in Otavi, Tsumeb, Tsandi and Omaruru, and another 100 houses backed by this partnership are expected to be constructed in the towns of Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz, Mariental, and Keetmanshoop.

Together, they believe in effective partnerships for a sustainable future, aimed at viable, innovative and sustainable solutions, specifically aimed at the provision of housing.