The Chinese Embassy has handed over 25 corrugated iron houses to the families that were affected by rainstorms earlier this year in the Mankumpi constituency in the Kavango East Region.

The donation is worth N$300,000.

On January 25, 2025, the Mankumpi constituency experienced heavy rainfall that left many families homeless. 

The storm affected approximately 175 households in the Leevi Kamaranga, Simwege, Katjinakatji, and Ou Cordon villages, forcing residents to seek shelter in makeshift houses.

Mankumpi Constituency Councillor Lukas Muha said that the storm only "took about ten minutes, roughly. If you asked me, I would say ten minutes, but if you asked my neighbour, he would say three minutes, because everybody was confused."

Muha appreciated the Embassy of China, highlighting that this is not the first support the Mankumpi constituency has received from the embassy.

Of the 175 affected households, only the 25 most vulnerable households received the aid. 

Shen Jihan, the Deputy Head of the Chinese Embassy, said, "Today's project of zinc houses, modest in scale but rich in meaning, is another vivid example of our pragmatic cooperation for the benefit of ordinary people. Housing, as we all know, lies at the heart of people's well-being. At her first State of the Nation address, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, said every Namibian deserves the opportunity for a safe environment to call home. Indeed, housing is not only about shelter but also about dignity, security, and hope for the future."

Shen further added that China fully supports Namibia's efforts to accelerate affordable housing delivery. 

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Chairperson of the Local Development Committee Jopa Ouruunda appreciated the efforts of the Chinese Embassy.

All 25 houses were handed over on the same day, with Christine Haingura's house used as an illustration during the handover.