Standard Bank Namibia hands over 15 homes at Onandjaba as Buy-a-Brick passes 740 units

Standard Bank Namibia has handed over 15 affordable houses at Onandjaba in the Omusati region, part of a broader project that delivered 84 homes to families. The houses were funded through the bank's Buy-a-Brick initiative, which raises money for affordable housing through corporate partnerships and fundraising activities.

Emeritha Iita, Standard Bank Namibia's Outapi branch manager, said the houses would give families greater security. “Housing is about far more than bricks and mortar. It is about dignity, security, stability and opportunity,” she said. “Every home handed over today represents a family moving from uncertainty to greater security and a stronger foundation for the future.”

The funds for the houses were raised through the bank's annual Corporate and Investment Banking Padel for Purpose event, with support from corporate partners Old Mutual Namibia and Ninety One Namibia. Launched in 2015 in partnership with the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia and the Namibia Housing Action Group, Buy-a-Brick has raised more than N$27 million and contributed to the construction of more than 740 houses nationwide, according to the bank.

Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo, who officiated the handover, said partnerships between government, communities and businesses are important for improving housing access for low-income households. “Projects such as these speak directly to the objectives of the sixth National Development Plan, which seeks to improve the quality of life of Namibians through inclusive development, stronger communities and sustainable livelihoods,” he said, adding that cross-sector cooperation could accelerate housing delivery.

The project also involved beneficiaries in construction activities, including making bricks, digging trenches, transporting building materials and assisting with construction work.