Habitat for Humanity BotswanaBotswana -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l 1
Why Habitat is needed in Botswana
Botswana is one of Africa’s most politically stable countries, and its diamond reserves have made a huge impact on the country’s income. Half of the population, however, still struggles to survive on less than $2 a day. One of the most vulnerable groups is women—one-third of all families are now female-headed households, and 60 percent of women live in extreme poverty.
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This basic mud and thatch house is a typical example of the conditions endured by much of Botswana’s population.
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A homeowner in front of her new Habitat house.
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The rampant spread of HIV/AIDS has added to the country’s burdens. The Botswana AIDS Impact Survey II, conducted in 2004, estimated HIV prevalence in the general population at 17.1 percent. HIV prevalence among pregnant women between ages 15 and 45 was estimated at 32.4 percent. In turn, the loss of lives through HIV leads to an increase in the number of child-headed families that are often left without proper financial means to support themselves or maintain existing houses.
With so many people living in poverty, substandard housing is an overwhelming challenge. Most families live in traditional homes made of mud walls and thatch roofs or inadequately constructed brick houses. Overcrowding exist in the majority of these houses, and a lack of natural light and ventilation are common problems, causing illness and other problems.
How Habitat helps
Habitat for Humanity Botswana began in 1991 at the invitation of the former President, Sir Ketumile J. Masire. The first affiliates were in Ghanzi, Francistown, Kanye and Kasane. HFHB is now working in 17 communities.
HFHB houses measure approximately 20–34 square meters and consist of one to two and a half rooms. The houses are made of cement blocks, concrete floors and corrugated iron roofs. All the houses have external pit latrines, which considerably improve health.
Highlights
- August 2000: First flood relief houses built in Kumakwane village.
- May 2001: Completed 11 houses in partnership with Botswana Council for Refugees and UNHCR for the Dukwi Refugee Project.
- August 2001: World Leaders Build and dedication of HFHB’s 700th house.
- May 2006: Completed 10 houses in partnership with Debswana Corporation. At the house dedication, the honorable former president of Botswana Sir. Ketumile J. Masire attended.
- 2007: Establishment of the HFHB-Debswana (Jwaneng mine) Housing Project Partnership.
Facts about Botswana
Location: Southern Africa, north of South Africa
Population: 1.8 million
Languages: English, Setswana
Climate: Semi Arid; warm winters and hot summers
Religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs
Government: Parliamentary republic
Economy: Main exports are diamonds, copper, nickel, beef
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