Corporates inject N$2M into housing development

In an event reaffirming their strong seven-year partnership, the Pupkewitz Foundation, Ohorongo Cement and FNB Namibia through the FirstRand Foundation Trust, collectively handed over N$2 million to the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia for the construction of 12 houses in Rupara, 22 in Divundu and 11 in Gobabis.

Pupkewitz Foundation donated N$ 1 million, while Ohorongo Cement and FNB Namibia through the FirstRand Foundation Trust donated N$ 500 000 each.

Since 2016, the Shack Dwellers Federation has constructed over 395 houses with funding from the above-mentioned partners.

Handing over the donation, FNB Home Loans National Sales Manager Rozina Jacobs emphasised the importance of projects and initiatives that contribute to the provision of affordable housing to Namibians nationwide.

“This partnership ensures that our people have access to the most basic human right. By providing housing, the partnership has helped to reduce homelessness, improve health and safety, and support economic development. The success of this project ultimately demonstrates that it is possible to make a difference through collaboration and innovation,” she said.

Ohorongo Cement CSI Representative Alina Nelenge said: “We believe that, with combined resources we can achieve more, and by partnering with the FirstRand Foundation and the Pupkewitz Foundation we are doing exactly that. We make a difference where it mattes the most and instead of trying to run independent initiatives, we remain committed to this valuable partnership, as we trust that through the partnership contribution, many Namibians will be supplied with decent and affordable housing."

Furthermore, Pupkewitz Foundation representative from Pupkewitz Megatech, Gert Burger added that access to quality housing has the ability to transform neighbourhoods and also connect residents to critical amenities, build stronger social cohesion in communities and create pathways to education and economic opportunity.

“Each dollar invested in affordable housing boosts local economies by leveraging public and private resources to generate income, adequate job creation and retention, financial stability, security, improves the quality of life of residents by leading to better health and population diversity,” he said.