By Adolf Kaure.
At the recent the ground-breaking ceremony for 38 new houses for members of the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) in Arandis, the Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele said that more still needs to be done to address the housing challenge in the country.
“We recognise the ongoing challenges and sympathise with our fellow Namibians who continue to live in inadequate and improvised housing conditions.”
“This project indeed represents a significant step in the right direction. However, there is still a lot more much work to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing,” said Nawases-Taeyele.
The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development is funding the construction of 14 houses, First National Bank is funding 17 houses, while 7 houses will be financed by the Shack Dwellers Federation.
“Through the generous support of several key partners, this project has come to life. Together, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future,” she continued.
It is estimated that there are over 900,000 Namibians live in informal settlements throughout the country.
“This is a significant concern for us as government, particularly as we face the challenge of massive and rapid migration from rural to urban areas,” said the deputy minister.
Nawases-Taeyele stated that government alone cannot address the challenge.
“It is through vital partnerships – like those with the Shack Dwellers Federation and support from the private sector — that we can make meaningful progress,” she said.
One of the Shack Dwellers Federation members in Arandis, Trefeni Mukete, urged residents to join the federation.
“I would like to encourage all Namibians, men and women with aspirations of owning homes that it is possible through this affordable housing project. Be free to come on board,” she said.
The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia is a people’s movement of saving groups with more than 31,000 members and N$42,5 million in savings. In the Erongo Region, the federation has 226 groups with 6775 members and N$14.8 million in savings.
Through the federation, 765 houses have been built in the Erongo Region. This includes 206 houses in Omaruru, 16 in Karibib, 52 in Usakos, 98 in Swakopmund, 92 in Henties Bay and 353 in Walvis Bay.
“In Arandis, we started saving on 12 August 2007. We are now 168 members in total. From this number – 130 are landless, while the 38 are the ones building here,” said Mukete. To date, they have constructed more than 8600 houses throughout the country.
The Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele (third from left) breaking ground along with Arandis Chief Executive, Stanley Norris (second from left), Regional Councillor for the Arandis Constituency, Benitha Imbamba (second from right) and other dignitaries.