Katima Mulilo – In a significant development for the community, twenty-three houses were officially handed over to their new owners at Bukalo village in the Zambezi Region on Tuesday. The housing project, which aims to alleviate housing shortages in the area, was funded through the Buy-a-Brick initiative, a collaboration between the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia and Standard Bank.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Eveline Nawases-Taeyele, praised the initiative during the handover ceremony. She highlighted its role in addressing the causes of inequality, particularly at a time when Namibia is grappling with an acute housing shortage and other socio-economic disparities. Nawases-Taeyele affirmed the government's commitment to supporting families in need of shelter, providing access to affordable land, and fostering infrastructural development, especially in informal settlements.

The deputy minister emphasized the importance of such housing initiatives, including the Decentralised Built-Together-programme, Urban and Rural Housing Loan Programme, and other informal settlement projects. She called on additional stakeholders to join in tackling the social challenges associated with adequate housing.

Nawases-Taeyele also urged the new homeowners to take responsibility for maintaining their houses, meeting their housing loan obligations, and contributing to council service payments. She stressed the importance of communal effort in these initiatives, encouraging beneficiaries to continue fighting poverty through teamwork and focus on their development.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and joy upon receiving their new homes, noting that moving into these houses not only represented a significant moment but also restored their dignity as equals in society. They acknowledged the transformative impact of the housing project on their social standing and overall quality of life.