66 houses handed over at Narraville

The Walvis Bay community of Narraville yesterday saw the unveiling of 66 new houses on the edge of the Namib Desert for low and ultra-low income residents.

While the handover was done by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, the housing initiative was driven by the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) and Namibia Housing Action Group.

SDFN Walvis Bay facilitating member Francisco Maree said the initiative represents the culmination of a long journey.

The initiative was built through the commitment of community members, who despite financial constraints, saved diligently to contribute to the cause.

The project was not without challenges, said Maree. After applying for land in 2007, it took three years for their applications to be approved, with the condition that members service the land at their expense. The site on the edge of Narraville was also marked by dunes and rugged terrain, which escalated costs.

“These houses are not just bricks and mortar. They represent hope, stability and the opportunity for a better life.”

With over 31 650 members spread across 937 groups, the SDFN has saved N$42,5 million since its establishment in 1998, leading to the construction of over 7 600 houses countrywide.

At Walvis Bay, joint savings reached over N$7,6 million, with 342 houses constructed since 1998.

While celebrations are in order, Maree reminded attendees of the ongoing challenges, noting that there are still 5 248 members at Walvis Bay without land.

“They are also eagerly awaiting the opportunity to have serviced land of their own.”

He highlighted the affordable loan repayment terms available for SDFN members, spanning 11 years at an interest rate of 5%.

Urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni said president Hage Geingob, being disturbed by the mushrooming of shacks and conditions in the informal settlements, declared informal settlements shacks across the country a national humanitarian crisis during the Second National Land Conference.

“It is evident in our community that housing is a key national development priority and an important vehicle for addressing poverty and inequality, as well as bringing about social harmony, economic advancement and ensuring political stability,” said Uutoni.

“There is no challenge too difficult for us to overcome if we put our hands together,” he added.

Uutoni said it was imperative that the government, the private sector and the community unite to achieve the Harambee Prosperity Plan and develop the Namibian house.

“Our financial commitment over the years towards this noble cause reaffirms our support, so that the ordinary citizen has decent and affordable housing and improved sanitation.”

Uutoni praised the SDFN’s unique solution as “worth supporting” because the community itself is taking action to address its own developmental needs.

“This is a clear testimony of sustainable and people-centred development, and I hereby pledge our continued support.”

Uutoni said the government’s financial contributions to the SDFN have been substantial with N$111,8 million used to construct 3 555 housing units.

He urged the private sector and local authorities to join the cause, emphasising the importance of local authorities making land, especially serviced land, available to the federation.

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