The Tale of Roel Rutgers

From experience FNB also knows that owning a home gives people a sense of belonging and dignity as they no longer, for example, need to use a communal toilet. At the same time, it also increases the sense of safety as electricity provided negates the use of candles and a door can be locked at night against possible thieves as a well-built, welllit community with proper housing provides a safe environment.

We believe that affordable housing improves the community and further supports better health care – if all amenities within a built structure are in working order. Windhoek has faced an outbreak of cholera and hepatitis E due to unhygienic situations in the informal settlements. A small, affordable house with proper plumbing, electricity and waste removal is the way to go.

As partners of this initiative FNB is extremely proud of the tremendous progress on this project, in realisation of the provision of descent affordable housing and improved sanitation for the Namibian people. Housing has gained prominence as one of the key national development priorities and an important vehicle for addressing poverty and inequality as well as for bringing about economic advancement. Therefore, we adopted the provision of and access to decent housing as one of our key development priorities.

FNB will continue to rededicate ourselves to the crucial developmental objective and goal of adequate housing for every Namibian.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him one meal. Teach him to fish and he can feed himself for many meals.”

A Chinese proverb, that has carried weight over decades to this day. This is the tale of Roel Rutgers, a Duch Architect who has indeed done his part in positively impacting society.

The merger between his love for nature and his education in architecture from the Delft University of Technology led to the birth of Tabled Design. His story of manufacturing and building low budget houses for people in the slums of Windhoek struck a chord.

Moreover, this led to a more touching sight as Roel was destined to impact society in a heartfelt way. He ended up in Hope Village an orphanage for those stricken by poverty. The downfall was that those who grew older and got out of the orphanage still had a low chance of making it in this world. Roel came just in time to make a difference as he now trains and works with those who emerge out of the orphanage, giving them a start in life.

We can learn from Roel and use our gifts and knowledge to make a difference. A little goes a long way.