Building Affordable Housing and Diversified Programming in Tanzania: A Board Member’s Perspective
Affordable housing is a pressing concern in Tanzania, where our rapidly growing population and economic challenges have left many of our fellow citizens searching for a decent place to call home. I’m Daniel Mbisso, an architect by profession and currently serving as the Chair of the Strategies Committee at Habitat for Humanity Tanzania’s Board. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and insights into our organization’s mission, the challenges we’ve faced, and the progress we’ve made.
My journey with Habitat for Humanity Tanzania began in 2021 when I was called upon to play a role in revitalizing the organization’s operations in the country. The organization’s activities had somewhat slowed down, necessitating a renewed commitment. My colleagues from Ardhi University and I played a significant part in rekindling Habitat for Humanity Tanzania’s presence in Tanzania.
Affordable housing is not just about constructing homes; it’s a multi-faceted challenge. Habitat for Humanity Tanzania recognizes this and has expanded its focus to address broader community needs. Our projects now extend to areas like water supply, sanitation infrastructure, and empowering women through entrepreneurship. By ensuring clean water and improved sanitation facilities, we directly enhance the quality of life for individuals. And, by empowering women to become entrepreneurs, we work towards the sustainability of our housing initiatives.
One of the notable aspects of our work in Tanzania is our ability to inspire communities. When we deliver completed housing projects, we see the gratitude and motivation it instils in residents to actively participate in affordable housing solutions. It underscores the tremendous impact that well-executed housing programs can have on communities.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of our approach. We actively seek partnerships with various stakeholders, including NGOs such as “Tanzania Women Architects for Humanity” (TAWA), research institutions like the Building Research Institute of Ardhi University, and governmental bodies. These collaborations provide the technical expertise, knowledge sharing, and resources necessary for a holistic approach to addressing the housing challenge.
We’ve encountered our fair share of challenges, including issues with untrustworthy partners, and ensuring that housing loans reach the right recipients. However, we firmly believe that these challenges are relatively minor when compared to the vast achievements we’ve accomplished. We’re continuously refining our strategies to ensure that our resources are allocated where they’re needed most.
As Tanzania’s population continues to grow, the need for affordable housing remains a critical concern. While we’ve seen some improvements in urban areas, rural regions still face substantial challenges. The economic impact of housing extends far beyond just providing shelter; it influences livelihoods, income, and overall development. This is why collaboration between NGOs, government bodies, and communities is crucial in addressing this issue.
Habitat for Humanity Tanzania, along with other stakeholders, is actively advocating for the reduction of interest rates by banks and reduced taxes on construction materials by the government. We encourage researchers to focus on the development of affordable construction materials, and we urge citizens to consider alternative construction methods. Collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as between government bodies and NGOs, is vital for bringing about the necessary changes.
Through collaboration with various stakeholders, Habitat for Humanity Tanzania is dedicated to making a significant impact on affordable housing in Tanzania. We are addressing the housing crisis not solely by constructing homes, but also by enhancing the overall quality of life for those in need.