Even with a permanent job and stable income, good-quality housing is still out of reach for many people in Namibia. For one, there is hardly any affordable housing. Also, too few housing types are provided for people to be able to transition to better-quality and safer housing, and mortgages are often not granted.
When given the choice, most people in Namibia prefer to reside in their own self-built housing to avoid the arbitrariness of landlords, and because affordable and well-constructed (rental) housing is difficult to obtain. A legally secured rental housing market like the one in Germany does not exist in Namibia. That is why H!fF has made it its aim to build houses for rent and thus offer affordable, good-quality accommodation in safe neighborhoods.
When given the choice, most people in Namibia prefer to reside in their own self-built housing to avoid the arbitrariness of landlords, and because affordable and well-constructed (rental) housing is difficult to obtain. A legally secured rental housing market like the one in Germany does not exist in Namibia. That is why H!fF has made it its aim to build houses for rent and thus offer affordable, good-quality accommodation in safe neighborhoods.
The benefit of the project for local residents and the economy in Windhoek is clearly visible: the creation of new jobs and on-the-job training measures, the construction of houses for rent, and the possibility for residents to be involved during every step of the process. Housing! for Future has established a local housing company to manage the rental homes. Through the ongoing reinvestment of the surplus rental income, further houses can be built so that the project is self-sustaining.
The benefit of the project for local residents and the economy in Windhoek is clearly visible: the creation of new jobs and on-the-job training measures, the construction of houses for rent, and the possibility for residents to be involved during every step of the process. Housing! for Future has established a local housing company to manage the rental homes. Through the ongoing reinvestment of the surplus rental income, further houses can be built so that the project is self-sustaining.
Houses and their construction are the foundation of any housing project. However, the environment in which they sit in is just as important. A holistic view – socially as well as culturally – is more likely to prevent issues, i.e. with the acceptance of the project by local residents, and ensure its success.
Houses and their construction are the foundation of any housing project. However, the environment in which they sit in is just as important. A holistic view – socially as well as culturally – is more likely to prevent issues, i.e. with the acceptance of the project by local residents, and ensure its success.
When choosing tenants, H!fF relies on the help and advice of local bodies such as churches, social carriers and non-governmental organizations. Families and singles from informal settlements with varying social and cultural backgrounds and age groups can find a safe place to live with H!fF, independent of their income.
When choosing tenants, H!fF relies on the help and advice of local bodies such as churches, social carriers and non-governmental organizations. Families and singles from informal settlements with varying social and cultural backgrounds and age groups can find a safe place to live with H!fF, independent of their income.
Tobias Mwetuindea is 35 years old and works as a foreman at Quartz Construction, a local construction company in Windhoek. Despite having a relatively good income by Namibian standards, Tobias still lives in a corrugated iron shack, which he pays a significant rent for. His wife and two sons live north of Windhoek, where the two boys attend school. Tobias showed us his current home, and he was visibly embarrassed. His entire life is confined to a single-room corrugated iron shack. It is cold in the winter, scorching in the summer, and despite being impeccably maintained, it is cramped and dim. The toilet and water facilities are located outside. In his spare time, Tobias enjoys exercising with homemade fitness equipment.
On April 1st, Tobias moved into his house – number 7 – in “Meine Heimat”. His wife and sons will be joining him after the end of this academic year. He often stresses how lucky he considers himself for having been given the chance to move into an adequate house and start afresh. In recognition of Tobias’ work ethic, Quartz Construction paid the deposit for his house. This employee benefit is something other companies may also consider in future.
We visited Agitha on Namibia’s Independence Day. Her house can be considered typical for Namibia: some parts are made of concrete, whereas others consist of corrugated iron sheets. These types of houses are never truly finished but are added onto when circumstances change, i.e., when new family members come to stay. Agitha works as a cleaner for various companies and earns relatively well. Also, her family members are happy to assist her with rent payments.
As is the case with a lot of houses similar to Agitha’s, there is no running water. The water source is outside the house, and the toilet is shared with several neighbours. Agitha could hardly believe her luck when she was chosen as a tenant for one of the 25 “Meine Heimat” houses, and with tears in her eyes, she thanked us multiple times. All these encounters with the future tenants were deeply moving, making our own problems in Germany suddenly seem insignificant.
Agitha will be moving into her new house with one of her daughters. As “Meine Heimat” is not far from where she lived before, her family will be able to visit her frequently Aghita’s children all agreed that she well and truly deserves to live in a proper new home with electricity, running water, and a private toilet.
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Housing! for Future offers help for self-help. Living in rental housing promotes self-responsibilty and the desire to maintain the status quo. It is a chance for people to attain affordable and safe living accommodation.
Housing! for Future’s rental concept:
Become a rent sponsor. Your donation will serve as a direct help for a local family:
with a sum of only 250 € per month, the family’s rent is paid.
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