One brick at a time

The unveiling of 20 low-income houses over the weekend built by the Mariental Shack Dwellers’ Federation’s team of which more than 80% were women, highlighted the federation’s countrywide achievements of a total output of 4 800 homes built nationally through the dedication and hard work of 23 000 members belonging to 747 groups.Frederika Fredericks of the Mariental team on Saturday pointed out that in total, the groups across the country had saved over N$25 million with the help of their members, in addition to funds from private sponsors and government.Ultimately however, the homes, including the 20 new ones, are a result of the dedication and hard work of members, she said.The Mariental group was launched in 2014, and members were encouraged to save every cent they could spare, and manage the funds accordingly, to enable them to achieve their goals. “While we were waiting for availability of land from the council, we raised money by doing activities to boost our savings, including braais and concerts,” she said. In 2017, the group was provided with a plot, which could accommodate 20 members.“We actually learned a lot in the process and one of that was to have patience and to stand together as one, to focus on team work.”The building of the houses, undertaken by the members of the group themselves, included the making of bricks and acquiring construction skills. “Brickmaking was not easy, as 80% of the members were female. We made our own bricks with the assistance of group members and their families. We also excavated the foundation of the 20 houses, and each beneficiary had to be a handyman.”The unveiling on Saturday signified the conclusion of a lengthy process, Fredericks said. “We all reached the finish line and as you see today we have our houses, with electricity and sanitation. We can call this home and provide a proper shelter for our children.”Johan de Lange of the Mariental municipality, on Saturday said the federation is a key partner in the construction of low-income homes in the town.De Lange noted that in support of their efforts, the musicality not only provided land, but the erven were fully serviced with electricity and sewer services and sold to the beneficiaries at a minimal price. The total cost of the houses was N$32 000, Fredericks said, and added that in the Hardap Region alone, more than 30 Shack Dwellers’ Federation groups have been established, consisting of 875 members who together have saved N$253 000. The groups have constructed a total of 292 houses in Hardap, including in Maltahöhe (10), Schlip (4), Rehoboth (84), Aranos (12), Stampriet (27), Hoachanass (40), Gochas (58) and other small towns and villages.Thirty-five houses have been constructed din Mariental to date, Fredericks said. The next step is the construction of 12 houses in Aranos and 11 in Amprebo. Derek Klazen, the deputy minister of urban and rural development, at the occasion praised the Shack Dwellers’ Federation members for their efforts to improve the living conditions of poor communities.“Their activities offer hope and meaning to the lives of women, men and children who share the same hopes that we all have for better, safer and more promising lives.”He underlined that the federation’s members, in Mariental and across the country, has “shown that there can be solutions to problems that we are struggling with every day,” noting that inequality and poverty are harsh realities in Namibia. He said government alone cannot solve the housing shortage in Namibia, and is relying on team effort from all sectors, including civic society and the private sector, to work together to find solutions. “The Shack Dwellers’ Federation’s solution is unique and worth supporting, in that it is a case of the community itself taking action to address its own developmental needs. This is a clear testimony of sustainable and people-centred development.”He said government’s trust in the federation’s work is reflected in the financial support to the groups, which has to date amounted to N$44.6 million that was used to construct 1863 houses.Fredericks took the opportunity on Saturday to thank sponsors who assisted with the new homes, including the Namibia Housing Action Group (NHAG), First National Bank, the Pupkewitz Foundation, Ohorongo Cement and Neo Paints for their support, in addition to government and local leadership.JANA-MARI SMITH

One brick at a time

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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One brick at a time

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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