FNB Publishes Building Guide for Namibian Constructors

July 2 - FNB Namibia, which is the country's largest provider of home loans, has published a booklet entitled Basics for Building as a guide for small builders in the country.

FNB was concerned with the problems caused by the sub standard work that was being provided by local builders, and - as a group that provided financing for these homes that were being poorly built - felt the need to become pro-active and publish the guide.

The Head of Home Homes at FNB, Thomas Slabbert said: "The FNB home loans department is the largest financier of mortgage loans in Namibia. A large part of the applications received are for building loans as new land becomes available."

"As a result of this we are closely engaged with the building industry and deal with contractors on a daily basis," he said.

Namibia has no national home builders council as in South Africa and FNB felt the need to provide small builders with a constructive tool in order to meet standards.

"FNB avails themselves of a builder's panel and contractors have to apply to become part of this panel by providing the bank with certain information," said Slabbert. "It is very difficult to measure technical skills but we have entered into an agreement with Pupkewitz Megabuild and SME Compete to train certain builders in order to set higher standards."

The Basics for Building booklet contains a wealth of information pertaining to building a house, including material storage, material ordering, site preparation, concrete mixing and floor coverings.

The booklet should also be of interest to all levels of builders, as well as students in the construction business.

7/2/2010 9:07:14 AM