An Exploratory Study Of The Role Of The Shack Dwellers Federation Of Namibia’s (Sdfn) Saving Schemes In Housing Development: A Case Study Of Havana And Okahandja Park Informal Settlements In

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles and challenges faced by Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia‟s Savings Schemes, as stakeholders in housing provision in informal settlement areas. The study also looked at how the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia‟s Savings Schemes relate to other stakeholders such as NHAG, CoW and MRLGHRD. The rationale behind be study was to come up with an informal settlement housing scheme model suitable for the poor in Namibia. The quantitative research methodology was applied. The population size of the study was 341 and the sample size comprised of 38 respondents. The research instrument used in this study was the self-administered questionnaire, distributed to the 38 respondents. The main findings of the study were household socio-economic challenges, social development changes including service delivery and welfare, political changes. It is concluded that Government and its structures should facilitate adequate funding to the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia‟s Saving Schemes, to help them to develop, and fulfil their objectives of becoming home owners. The study recommended that government and its structures should provide sufficient structures and policies to enable provision of housing to the poor, adequate funding for the schemes to be successful. Proper structural set up and adequate funding would be required in order to assist the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia‟s Saving Schemes. Administrators of the Savings Schemes would need proper training to sharpen their management and administration so as to run the schemes effectively and efficiently. They need these skills in order to allocate and make use of the scarce resources wisely. Researches are tools that need to be also used in order to remedy the housing shortages and facilitate the best possible methods and ways of providing houses for the poor. A well-researched provision of houses would yield positive results.