On Friday, 22nd October 2010 in Chazanga compound the October sun seemed to shine all the more brighter for Margaret Nanguma’s family who had been living in a one room shack for over four years. On this day, the Nanguma family’s life would be changed forever! Margaret Nanguma is a widow in her thirties, with four children whose husband was a carpenter and the sole bread winner in the family died in 2005 due to suspected poisoning during a drinking spree with friends. This day was the beginning of Margret’s life of economic, social and psychological turmoil.

It is for this reason that in order to support the Nanguma family and many others like her that are in dire need of decent shelter, the First Lady of Zambia, Mrs. Thandiwe Banda and other Habitat for Humanity Zambia Women Build Ambassadors; Mrs. Chilufya Mwaba-Phiri, Reverend Kuzipa Nalwamba and Mrs. Christine Mulundika graciously gave hands-on support to the Zambia Women Build Project Awareness and Fund raising initiative that aimed to raise awareness on issues affecting women in Zambia but as well make a call on the local corporate organisations to contribute financially to the Habitat for Humanity program.

At this function, Habitat for Humanity Zambia in conjunction with the Zambia Women Build Ambassadors commissioned and took part in the building of Margaret Nanguma’s home, the First Lady of Zambia, Mrs. Thandiwe Banda said that women needed to have legal rights to own and control property because they lack wealth which deprives them of the personal and economic autonomy. She further stressed that low income communities which included women and vulnerable children should have access to decent shelter which is fundamental human right and that everyone deserves to enjoy regardless of their status.

Mrs Banda appealed to individuals and the business community to partner with Habitat for Humanity so that they can support the construction of more houses for the vulnerable. Petronella Shiaka the National Director for Habitat for Humanity Zambia at the same occasion said that adequate housing in rural and urban areas is the foundation for social and economic development and essential for any improved health, education and employment and that lack of adequate housing increases poverty. On March 10, 2010, Habitat for Humanity together with Mrs Banda and Women Ambassadors launched the Women Build Project aimed at raising awareness on the plight of women, Orphans and Vulnerable Children. The project aims at raising issues of shelter and to raise US$500, 000 to build 80 houses by June 30, 2012. Ms Shiaka said a house is an integral part and an important stepping stone to escaping the cycle of poverty.

Shiaka said Habitat for Humanity had built 10 housing units since July 1,2010, five in Lusaka while the other five are in Ndola. Ms Shiaka said the house being built for Mrs Nanguma is the eleventh. She said her organisation has a target of 69 houses by June 30, next year. Ms Shiaka said Habitat has managed to raise US$130,000 leaving the organisation with a shortfall of US$370, 000 for the project.

Mrs Nanguma said she was happy that Habitat for Humanity had come to her aid in the provision of shelter for
her family. She said the muddy house she is currently living in with her four children gets flooded during the rainy season and it is not conducive to human habitation.

Inutu Bagus, the General Manager of Pam Golding said that as women we are always seeking opportunities to empower ourselves and the lives of our family members and that this Habitat house is just an excellent stepping stone to uplifting this family.

The world’s housing need is immense, but so is Habitat for Humanity’s resolve to meet it. Habitat for Humanity partners with low-income families and Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Zambia to build decent, housing. A simple, decent place to live is nothing less than a door to a new life for families – and children – surviving in deplorable conditions.

Thank you! for your gift to support the Zambia Women Build project without your continued selfless support we would not be able to meet our goals:
SAFINTRA
Access Bank
Ecobank
Pam Golding
Manzi Valley
La Gondola
Pick n Pay Zambia