Shack Dwellers Federation gets N$2m boost

THE Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia received a donation of N$2 million for the construction of 45 houses.

This includes 12 houses at Rupara, 22 at Divundu and 11 at Gobabis.

According to FNB spokesperson Hileni Amadhila, the Pupkewitz Foundation donated N$1 million, while Ohorongo Cement and FNB Namibia Trust through the FirstRand Foundation donated N$500 000 each.

Since 2016, the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia has constructed over 395 houses with funding from these partners.

Handing over the donation, FNB home loans national sales manager Rozina Jacobs emphasised the importance of projects and initiatives that contribute to the provision of affordable housing to Namibians nationwide.

“This partnership ensures that our people have access to the most basic human right. By providing housing, the partnership has helped to reduce homelessness, improve health and safety, and support economic development.

“The success of this project ultimately demonstrates that it is possible to make a difference through collaboration and innovation,” she said.

Ohorongo Cement representative Alina Nelenge said by combining resources, more can be done.

“By partnering with the FirstRand Foundation and the Pupkewitz Foundation, we make a difference where it mattes the most and instead of trying to run independent initiatives, we remain committed to this valuable partnership, as we trust that through the partnership contribution, many Namibians will be supplied with decent and affordable housing,” she said.

Pupkewitz Foundation representative Gert Burger added that access to quality housing has the ability to transform neighbourhoods and also connect residents to critical amenities, build stronger social cohesion in communities and create pathways to education and economic opportunity.

“Each dollar invested in affordable housing boosts local economies by leveraging public and private resources to generate income, adequate job creation and retention, financial stability, security, and improves the quality of life of residents by leading to better health and population diversity,” he said.

– email: matthew@namibian.com.na