Standard Bank Namibia and MURD deliver 73 houses in Onandjaba - nbc

Описание: The partnership between Standard Bank Namibia's Buy a Brick initiative and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) has delivered 73 houses at Onandjaba in the Omusati Region.

The houses are for low-income families at the newly proclaimed Onandjaba Village Council.

The initiative is part of the Shack Dwellers Federation's efforts to construct 3,106 houses countrywide.

MURD funds the houses for N$37 million to ensure equal access to land, housing, and sanitation. Of the 3,106 houses, 73 houses are constructed at Onandjaba, 58 at Outapi, 57 at Ruacana and 50 at Tsandi. 

Out of the 73 houses constructed at Onandjaba, Standard Bank built 16 houses, while the MURD built 57.

Other sponsors are FirstRand with N$1 million; the Pupkewitz Foundation, also at N$1 million; and Ohorongo Cement with N$500,000, while Okongo Build It sponsored N$80,000, and Kambwa Trading contributed N$40,000.  

Omusati Governor Immanuel Shikongo joined in to make bricks and cast the foundation of the final house during the community outreach day at Onandjaba.

"As demonstrated by many local authorities, this initiative is indeed a game-changer. It has already transformed people's outlook on life, and for those who have lived without shelter for most of their lives, these houses mean everything to them."

The Chairperson of the Onandjaba Village Council, Erkki Kandjaba, urged beneficiaries to take good care of their homes.

"As the Onandjaba Village Council, we affirm our commitment to support initiatives that uplift the residents and strengthen partnerships for the social development of Onandjaba and the entire Omusati Region."

Standard Bank Namibia affirmed that Onandjaba needs partners in its development journey.

Standard Bank Branch Manager at Outapi, Emeritha Iita, said, "Okalongo is important to us, your progress is important to us, your future is important to us, and that is why we are here today -to affirm that commitment through one of the most impactful community initiatives in the country: Buy a Brick."

Emma Sheetekela, one of the initial beneficiaries, shared her appreciation. "I thank the federation very much for building us houses. Like me, I was in a difficult situation where I was renting twice, where I work and where I stay. I have now gotten rid of the second rent as I am now a homeowner."