SDFN builds 134 Zambezi houses
KATIMA MULILO – The Shack Dwellers' Federation of Namibia built 134 houses for new homeowners in the Zambezi region.
The houses were built in Kongola (54) and Katima Mulilo's Choto suburb (80) on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
Handing over the houses, Urban and Rural Development minister Erastus Uutoni reiterated housing in Namibia remains a high priority, and he has put pressure on urban areas, which has been demonstrated by rapidly increasing urbanisation rates over the last two decades.
“The existing formal housing market does not readily cater to a majority of Namibians by virtue of their income level, and clear evidence of this predicament is found in the mushrooming of informal settlements, often unplanned and the resultant socio-economic consequences, which include disease outbreaks and lack of economic opportunities,” said Uutoni.
He said government recognises everyone's right to an adequate standard of living, which includes adequate housing and the delivery of basic infrastructure and services.
“The SDFN demonstrated their commitment and ability to contribute to the national drive towards providing affordable housing, and proper sanitation to our people, especially those in the ultralow- and low-income categories,” said Uutoni.
According to Uutoni, government's financial support towards SDFN to date amounts to N$91.8 million, which has resulted in the construction of 3 064 houses countrywide.
Speaking at the same occasion, Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu said one of the priority areas of activity for Zambezi Regional Council has been to provide support and direction to initiatives, such as community driven approaches.
Sampofu further cheered members of the federation for their hard work, and encouraged them to continue saving and pay back the loans so that the project is sustained and may encourage others to join.
“Through your hard work and belief, you have achieved what every Namibian dreams to have. Homelessness and basic sanitation is a stark and undeniable feature of our nation,” said Sampofu.
Smart Mwiya, Katima Mulilo Standard Bank branch manager, said the bank is truly Namibian, deeply rooted in local culture and concerned about the development of the country and the plight of the Namibian people.
Members received loans totalling up to N$10 million.
This money was funded by First National Bank of Namibia, Standard Bank, Tuhangana as well as the ministry of urban and rural development.
“As a bank, we cannot sit idle and expect someone else to solve the problems for us in Namibia; we believe in making dreams possible. We want to ensure that every Namibian is under a decent shelter, that is why we are in this business,” said Mwiya.
Grace Mwiya from Homeless Saving Group stated the federation has 1 050 members, with 900 being female and 150 male members in the Zambezi region.
She called upon more men to join the federation.
Grace further stated that 437 houses have been handed over within the region over the years, with 380 handed over to females and 57 males.
“SDFN also offers small business loans for those who want to do their own business, as well as service loans; we, therefore, should not suffer so much,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, 91-year-old Maria Mutelo from Kongola, whose house was built as a donation from the urban ministry, could not hide her excitement after receiving her house.
Mutelo said she felt free after receiving her house, as she was exhausted from constantly having to rebuild her mud house whenever the structure collapsed.
“It is for this reason that I decided to join shack dwellers, including having my house insured in case of any damage that may occur,” she said.
Shack dwellers federation together with Standard Bank's buy a brick initiative has raised funds and constructed more than 600 houses since 2015, with over
25 million spent on the project.