Changing lives for the better: Official opening of Tsandi houses in the fight against poverty

LOCATION: Otavi

VALUE: N$ 3 000 000.00

Changing lives for the better: Official opening of Tsandi houses in the fight against poverty

Tsandi, Omusati Region. In support of poverty eradication and the provision of community driven houses for low income families,12 houses constructed by the  Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) in collaboration with Ohorongo Cement, FNB Namibia Foundation and Pupkewitz Foundation, were officially handed over to the community members of the village of Tsandi in Omusati region on  the 27 February 2017.

The houses forms part of the 53 houses officially handed over to SDFN owners in Tsandi, by the First Lady of Namibia, Madame Monica Geingos. 

The handover of the houses came eleven months after the launch of the Public Private Partnership initiative. On 4 March 2016, the three private companies joined hands to enable SDFN to build a total of 91 houses over a one year period, by pledging an overall amount of N$3 million. This partnership was further strengthened by a new addition to the existing partners, Neo Paints, a 63 year old Namibian company, which joined the initiative by committing products and training to the value of N$350 000 over a 2 year period.

“We believe in Namibia and the vision of our leaders to create a society where everyone is afforded a respectable standard of living. The vision of  NEO paints is that we are not only in the business of physically protecting assets, but also improving the quality of life through creating value for our customers, while bringing joy through color in their lives,” said Victor Boshoff, NEO Paints, Managing Director.

In the effort to build 91 houses, progress for the pre-identified projects for the year is as follows:

  • Otavi in Otjozondjupa:  70% of the houses completed
  • Omaruru in Erongo:  Currently manufacturing bricks; building of 26 houses was put on hold due to the severe drought and lack of water, which should soon change now
  • Tsumeb in Oshikoto:  Land clearing and planning of 33 houses & brickmaking in progress
  • Tsandi in Omusati: All 12 houses are completed and officially opened today.

“We believe that through efficient partnerships, and by combining our resources, the contribution made has a lot more value than trying to do everything on our own. In this case Ohorongo Cement, Pupkewitz Foundation, FNB Foundation and the Shack Dwellers Foundation of Namibia forms a solid foundation of partners to make a true difference through effective execution. It is commendable of NEO Paints to join this venture and to add more value to this existing solid foundation,” said Hans-Wilhelm SchĂŒtte, M.D. of Ohorongo Cement.

“At FNB Namibia we believe in effective partnerships for a sustainable future. We aim to not only partner with other corporates and NGOs, but with the Government as well, to solve our nation’s pressing challenges. Affordable housing is one such challenge – and that is why we are proud to be part of this initiative and applaud the work done so far to build these houses”, said Koneka Iindji, Area Business Manager at FNB Namibia.

Meryl Barry, CEO of the Pupkewitz Foundation, said that key to Pupkewitz Foundation’s strategy are deliberate partnerships with government and reputable non-profit organizations, whose development goals are aimed at viable, innovative and sustainable solutions in response to national and global priorities. “The Foundation’s projects are therefore aimed at addressing social and economic disparities and responding to government’s developmental priorities. Programmes are implemented within the following focus areas: Education, Health, Community Care, Environment Culture and Sport.  We invite and welcome more participation,” she said.

The Shack Dwellers Association Namibia creates the opportunity for Namibians to improve their general standard of living. By taking personal responsibility, members are given the opportunity to build a personal asset, which not only improves their standard of living, but also creates personal wealth through the assets that they build.

Supporting this project has a number of benefits which are important to all partners:

  • Employment creation for Namibian people
  • Long-term and sustainable initiative, taking the planet into consideration
  • Providing much needed housing to lower income families
  • Providing Training & Transfer of Skills Knowledge through capacity building
  • Strengthens Namibian Economy via “Buy Namibian” and “Growth At Home”.

The Twahangana Fund of the SDFN/NHAG has grown from strength to strength, and many others are enquiring on how to support and join the fight against poverty and the lack of housing in Namibia.

FROM SHACK TO SHELTER
.TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE MORE!

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