In its quest to empower the underprivileged, Stanbic Bank Zambia has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build a house in Freedom township for Luke, Elita, Elina and Mary Simuyaba; a young family of four that has been struggling to make ends meet from the time they lost both parents.
The donation of the house in Chilanga–means the four young siblings – aged between 11 and 20, now have a strong chance of a better life. It is the third house to be constructed under the partnership, at a total cost of K210, 000.
Speaking on behalf of his siblings, Luke Simuyaba commended Stanbic and Habitat for Humanity for building them a house that they can now call home.
Earlier this year, the bank had a similar handover of a house to a sibling-headed family in Lusaka’s Chainda Township.
One of Stanbic Bank’s main pillars in its sustainability strategy is helping families from low income areas access decent housing in line with the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP).
Stanbic Bank Zambia’s chief financial officer, Mwindwa Siakalima, said: “We measure our growth in terms of the difference we make to socio-economic development in the communities we operate in. We view our successful growth through our contribution to the number of lives saved in the hospitals we support; the children educated in the schools we assist in building, and the entrepreneurs we train and small businesses we invest in.”
Speaking at the Stanbic Build event in Chilanga, Mr Siakalima said decent, habitable accommodation is one of the critical elements of national development, as it plays a vital role in unlocking an individual’s access to opportunity, improved security and health.
He said Stanbic believes the strongest partnerships are forged on shared values – which is why the bank has partnered with Habitat for Humanities on a project to construct 10 houses in low income areas across Zambia by 2023.
Stanbic Bank consistently demonstrates its commitment to Zambia’s growth, from providing cutting-edge products developed to catalyse entrepreneurial growth and achieve personal financial freedom, to sustainability development programmes that add value to local communities.
“It is time for the private sector to step up our efforts and join government in this noble quest. Allow me to also thank Habitat for Humanity for their continued support in this partnership and for how they have helped change lives in Zambia,” said Mr Siakalima.
Chilanga district commissioner Edith Muwana said proper housing does more than improve physical and mental vulnerabilities. It also increases a nation’s productivity, participation in decision-making processes, as well as creating household savings and investments among others.
“As government, we are always delighted to witness initiatives, such as this one, which complement our effort. To achieve inclusive and equitable development, we will require joint efforts from all stakeholders,” said Ms Muwana.
Habitat for Humanity board chairperson Brighton Phiri said that it is aiming to work with other key partners to fast-track the construction of decent houses for the less privileged.
“We have served and transformed the lives of over 29,000 individuals, built over 3,700 houses and supplied 31 water points through our Pamwesu, Maanzi-WASH and advocacy programmes.
Through these programmes, we seek to alleviate the current land, housing, water and sanitation pressures and inadequacies,” said Mr Phiri.
Stanbic’s goal is to supplement government efforts, through the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development aim to reduce Zambia’s housing deficit, which currently stands at 1.3 million houses, and is expected to reach 3.3 million by the year 2030 if not addressed
