The Shack Dwellers Federation Housing Project is hailed as a model concept, and in so doing, restoring the dignity of thousands of low-income earners in the country.

Still, the provision of water and electricity to their homes in the Hardap Region has been delayed for years, causing discontent among the members.

Many Shack Dweller Federation members in Aranos have been without electricity since they completed constructing their houses years ago.  

Members, also felt abandoned by the town council since they only have one communal tap forcing them to fetch water elsewhere.

Aranos Shack Dwellers Federation member, Petra Steenkamp said he was helped by his son to put in electricity and water. Others are without water and electricity in their homes.

Aranos Councillor Salomon Boois says the provision of water by the Aranos Town Council has begun. 

However, electricity for the shack dwellers federation members is still a challenge, which requires more funding. 

The office currently received a budget of N$80 000 for projects and infrastructure development.

Members of the federation in Maltahohe and Gibeon village councils are also facing the same problem.

Parallel with the ongoing basic service provision and construction of more shack dwellers' houses, the Aranos constituency office is also constructing corrugated iron sheet houses. 

The zinc houses are meant for the most vulnerable members of the community who do not have proper shelter against harsh weather conditions in the Hardap Region. 

To date, the office has constructed 26 houses.