Buy-a-Brick builds hope in Okalongo

Standard Bank Namibia has strengthened its support for the Okalongo community through the 2026 Buy-a-Brick Community Outreach, which continues to deliver safe, decent homes for low-income families. 

Working alongside the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN), regional leaders, and corporate partners including Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) Namibia, the Bank reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to affordable housing.

Representing Standard Bank Namibia, Emeritha Iita, Outapi branch manager, congratulated the community on Okalongo’s recent proclamation as a Village Council. She said the achievement would act as a catalyst for greater development and shared progress.

Iita said the bank’s dedication to the community remains unwavering. 

“Buy-a-Brick represents the power of partnership. When communities, government, and the private sector come together, we create real change. The homes built here in Okalongo are a testament to what collaboration can achieve,” she said.

Omusati Region governor Immanuel Shikongo said decent housing has a life-changing impact, particularly for children in rural areas. Housing, Shikongo emphasised, was a fundamental human right and that secure homes offer children a safe environment to study and aspire to brighter futures. 

Since its inception in 2015, the Buy-a-Brick initiative has raised over N$27 million, enabling the construction of more than 740 homes for low-income families across Namibia. Through its community-driven model, the SDFN has facilitated the construction of over 7 000 brick homes, improving the living conditions of more than 30,000 Namibians.

In the most recent cycle, Standard Bank said it contributed N$3.5 million, raised in 2024, to support the construction of 76 additional homes in the Erongo and Omaheke regions. Staff contributions also played a major role, with nearly N$1 million raised internally through various nationwide initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of CDH Namibia, Inonge Mainga said urgent action is required to improve housing delivery. Highlighting a national housing backlog of approximately 300 000 units, she said nearly 29% of urban households reside in informal settlements. She said government leaders must streamline land allocation processes and prioritise housing as a core driver of dignity.