Shack Dwellers Federation builds 536 homes worth N$23.6m through private partnerships

The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia has delivered more than 530 houses valued at over N$23 million over the past decade through partnerships with FNB Namibia, via the FNB Foundation, the Pupkewitz Foundation and Ohorongo Cement.

Speaking at a sponsorship event on Thursday, special adviser to the minister of urban and rural development Boniface Mutumba said a further 60 houses will be built in the coming year in selected urban centres, including Karasburg, Oshakati and Otjinene.

“I am informed that, through private sector funding, the partnership between Ohorongo Cement, FNB and the Pupkewitz Foundation has financed the construction of 532 houses countrywide at a cost of N$26.5 million,” he said.

Each partner has reaffirmed its annual contribution of N$1 million for the next year, bringing total annual support to N$3 million.

The funding is used to support housing construction through access to building materials, technical assistance and community-driven savings schemes.

FNB commercial chief executive Phillip Chapman highlighted the impact of the initiative at Gobabis, where more than 1 100 plots have been serviced in the Freedom Square informal settlement. Nationally, he said, about 3 300 homes are currently under construction through the federation’s efforts.

“At Gobabis, we’ve seen the impact of this work through the servicing of over 1 100 plots in the Freedom Square informal settlement. As we speak, that impact is growing across the country, with 3 300 homes currently under construction thanks to the federation’s work. As a long-standing partner, these are the outcomes we want to see scaled and replicated across Namibia,” he said.

Pupkewitz Foundation chief executive Meryl Berry said the foundation provides consistent support through an annual contribution of N$1 million in building materials, distributed via 23 Pupkewitz Megabuild branches nationwide.

“Funds are responsibly managed, outcomes are measurable, and repayments reinforce a revolving fund that continuously expands its reach. Beyond housing delivery, the model stimulates local economies, supports job creation and enables asset formation for low-income households,” she said.

She added that the federation’s model is rooted in community participation, with members contributing through savings groups and actively involved in planning and construction.

This approach has helped maintain affordability and ensure projects respond to local needs.

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