Over 900,000 Namibians are estimated to live in informal settlements across the country.
Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele said this is a serious concern for the government, particularly as they are faced with the challenge of massive and rapid migration from rural to urban areas.
While speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of 38 houses for Shack Dwellers held at Arandis, Taeyele said that this project is a ground-breaking step forward in tackling the housing crisis in the community.
More than 40% of Namibia's overall population, and around 80% of our urban population, currently live in shacks and rented rooms in informal settlements, with little to no access to essential municipal infrastructure and services.
She said that it embodies the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing, which is a vital necessity for those who have long faced the challenge of finding a place to truly call home.
She further said that the day marks not just the start of construction but the beginning of a new chapter for 38 families who will soon have a place to call their own.
"It all began with someone's dream—a desire for a place to call home. This initiative started as mere conversations, which then translated into plans on paper, and today we commence with the real work, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the development of our country. It is not just about numbers; it's about 38 families, giving children and future generations a place to call home. This is indeed a joyous moment. Giving a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we unite around a common goal."
In Arandis, 168 members started saving for Shack Dwellers in 2007 to buy land, with 130 still landless while 38 benefitted.
"On behalf of Shack Dwellers Federation members, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Honourable Deputy Minister for attending this event. The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia is a people's movement for saving groups in Namibia; we have saved N$42,5 million, and we have 31,650 members countrywide," said one of the beneficiaries, Trefeni Mukete.
The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development is funding the construction of 14 houses, First National Bank-17 houses, while 7 houses will be financed by the Federation.