Klazen hands over 20 SDFN houses at Mariental

REHOBOTH, 15 MAY  – Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Derek Klazen handed over 20 houses built under the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia in Mariental.
In a statement availed by Senior Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Etuna Shikalepo, Klazen said Government has committed itself to provide housing and shelter that is not only decent, but also affordable to its people.
The statement said the savings group of Mariental has reached a milestone in history by initiating and realising the socio-economic development befitting themselves through the provision of shelter.
“I am delighted to witness a project that you completed [through] hard work, diligence and commitment. Your efforts at improving the living conditions of our poor communities show that you have not forgotten your fellow human beings,” the statement quoted Klazen as saying.
It further said the activities of the federation offer hope and meaning to lives of men, women and children who share the very same hopes for better, safer, and more promising lives.
The initiative, according to Klazen, is commendable and deserves to be fully supported by all Namibians and should be intensified to include all the people still living in informal settlements, backyard shacks and overcrowded houses.
“I want to encourage you to expand the programme and to share the benefits with other disadvantaged communities in all corners of our country,” said Klazen.
He said initiatives such as public-private partnerships are commendable as is the case in the alliance formed by the government, SDFN and the private sector, which led to housing of low-income earners.
“This alliance is testimony to the completion of 20 houses in Mariental with support from Ohorongo Cement, FNB Foundation, Pupkewitz Foundation and many more throughout the country,” Klazen said.
Klazen is expected to hand over 47 SDFN houses at Otjinene in the Omaheke Region on Friday.
NAMPA