Buy-a-Brick delivers Okahandja homes
Four families in the Oshetu 1 community in Okahandja have received the keys to newly built homes under Standard Bank Namibia’s Buy-a-Brick Initiative.
The handover on 24 August was part of the bank’s N$2.5m commitment to the programme, which supports low-income households to access permanent housing.
Partnership support
The initiative is run with the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia and the Namibia Housing Action Group.
The four homes in Okahandja were funded with support from Vivo Energy Namibia, BodyWise, Standard Bank Private Bank and Ninety One Namibia.
The ceremony was attended by Okahandja Mayor Iileni Mutumbulwa, Otjozondjupa Governor John Julius //Khamuseb, Ninety One Namibia chief executive Eino Emvula, representatives of Standard Bank Namibia and partner organisations, as well as beneficiary families and community members.
Nelson Lucas, Standard Bank Namibia’s executive for corporate and investment banking, said the project was intended to offer families greater security and stability.
“Today is not simply about handing over houses. It is about creating a place where families can build their futures with greater security and peace of mind,” he said.
“A home provides a foundation from which people can pursue opportunities, support their children and plan for the years ahead.”
Housing targets
The Buy-a-Brick Initiative has supported housing projects in three communities this year.
Fifteen homes have been handed over in Okongo, while 16 are planned for Opuwo. The four homes in Okahandja complete the allocation for the town.
Standard Bank Namibia said 35 families would benefit from its N$2.5 million contribution to the programme in 2026.
Boniface Mutumba, special adviser to the minister of urban and rural development, said housing remained a national priority and required action from government, the private sector, local authorities, civil society and communities.
He praised the organisations involved for supporting community-led housing solutions and helping lower-income households access affordable homes.
Community-led housing
Standard Bank said the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia had played a longstanding role in helping communities establish savings groups, organise collectively and develop self-help housing projects.
Lucas said partnerships between businesses, community organisations and residents could deliver practical solutions to Namibia’s housing shortage.
“Through programmes such as Buy-a-Brick, we continue to support solutions that improve lives and create positive change where it matters most,” he said.
The initiative forms part of Standard Bank Namibia’s broader community development programme, aimed at supporting inclusive growth through partnerships.
