Arandis Celebrates Ground-Breaking Ceremony for Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia Housing Project

On Tuesday, 22 October 2024 marked a momentous occasion for the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) beneficiaries as the official Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the construction of 38 houses was held.

The ceremony was graced by the Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele, who highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis across Namibia. In her keynote address, she emphasized that this project is not only a step towards reducing the housing backlog but also a symbol of hope for families who have long dreamed of owning a home.

Hon. Neville Andre Itope, the Governor of Erongo Region, in absentia commended the collaborative spirit between the government, private sector, and local authorities, which has made this project possible. He stressed the importance of partnerships in delivering such impactful community initiatives.

The Regional Councillor for Arandis Constituency, Hon. Benitha Imbamba, expressed her pride in seeing this long-awaited project come to life. She acknowledged the critical role played by the Arandis Town Council, which allocated land and provided resources to support the servicing of these plots. The Council dedicated N$ 440,000 from its 2022/2023 capital budget to ensure the land was ready for construction.

Key partners, including First National Bank, Ohorongo Cement, and Pupkewitz Foundation, were also recognized for their generous contributions to this project. Their financial support will fund the construction of 38 houses, bringing stability and security to the beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries of the SDFN project, who have saved diligently over the years, will now have the opportunity to build homes for themselves and their families. This project is a shining example of how community savings groups can partner with government and private stakeholders to make homeownership a reality.

The Arandis Town Council is proud to support this initiative, which aligns with Namibia’s National Housing Policy, aimed at ensuring all Namibians have access to decent, affordable housing.

This event marks the beginning of a brighter future for 38 families in Arandis.