‘We did deliver but need to do more' - Geingob

President Hage Geingob says that it is wrong to claim that nothing has been done in terms of development and the provision of housing in the country after independence by government.

Ge in gob made there marks when he handed over 20 homes built in partnership by the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) and Standard Bank for their members who lost their shacks during the devastating shack fire.

SD F Nm embers themselves built the houses within three weeks on the site where the fire took place.

Commending the shack dwellers association in their quest to provide affordable housing for their members, Geingob said that more should still be done in terms of addressing the basic human needs of many Namibians that still find themselves in informal settlements.

“But to claim that nothing has been done is wrong. Not even you can claim that, but we need more. We have heard you as stated by the slogan of the Swapo party, not that we did not hear you in the past,” Geingob said.

He then emphasized the provision of housing should not be the responsibility of government alone but the private sector should also join government in providing housing to eliminate informal settlements.

“This should be done collectively by government and the private sector. How do you as an employer feel when the person that makes money for you lives in a shack,” the President said.

He added that basic human needs such as shelter, clothing remains a critical need, and hence government declared informal settlements a human disaster.

“Our aim with the help of the private sector is to address this very ugly situation. Our cities are so beautiful, however, if we go to some areas, the beauty is taken away by informal settlements.

Therefore, we must hold hands and address the situation before more people start to occupy land,” he said.