LOCATION: Oshivelo
VALUE: N/A
Handing over of houses and Groundbreaking event at Oshivelo – SDFN low-cost housing, with Hon Minister Erastus Uutoni and Rudolf Coetzee (Ohorongo Cement)
Ohorongo Cement, FNB Namibia and the Pupkewitz Foundation are proud to be partners of the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN), a partnership whose mission is to improve the living conditions of those living in informal settlements. Through this project, more Namibians have a roof over their heads, providing them shelter and security, running water, and sanitation. This project means some of our poorest communities now have access to the property market.
During the event on 17 March 2025 at Oshivelo, 17 houses were handed over to beneficiaries, and 12 of these houses were made a reality through the partners. A further 8 houses will be constructed.
“Our homes shape our identity, provide a sense of belonging, and offer comfort in times of distress. We are deeply passionate about supporting Namibians in their access to housing, knowing that a home is more than just a physical space” said Rudolf Coetzee, who represented the partners during the event. He also complimented the Government of Namibia for their active role and contributions to the Shack Dwellers Federation and the Namibia Housing Action Group.
Hon. Erastus Uutoni, Minister of Urban and Rural Development, highlighted the Shack Dwellers Federation’s dedication to ensuring access to decent and affordable housing, especially for low-income earners. He also commended the partners, Ohorongo Cement, FNB Namibia and Pupkewtiz Foundation for the continued support in ensuring that the projects become a reality. The three partners also share the same values and are most probably the most active on the CSI field within Namibia. This is the reason why they teamed up to support the Shack Dweller’s Federation of Namibia and the Namibia Housing Action Group, organizations that are working towards the provision of community driven houses for low-income families. Instead of trying to run independent initiatives, the focus of the partnership is to work hand in hand with established existing organizations with a winning recipe.
The three partners felt that through efficient partnerships and combined resources, they have more value than trying to do everything separately. Since the partnership started, more than N$ 18 million were invested, and 452 houses constructed as a direct result. Hence the slogan for this initiative: “FROM SHACK TO SHELTER, TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE MORE”.
From the beginning, the idea was to inspire the Private Sector to support such initiatives like the Shack Dweller’s Association. They are hoping that others will follow suit, so that they can achieve the objective of supplying as many houses as possible.
This project has the ability to have a lighthouse effect and could change the lives of many, many Namibians, whilst also having a positive effect on the local economy.
