Building a better Oshakati

True Africa Investment is a construction company that specialises in building quality houses for its clients. The company was founded in 2012 and has since completed several projects in Namibia.

In an interview with My.Na Properties, founder Hiskia Asino shared his journey in the construction industry.

In 2012, he set up a plot between Oshakati and Oshikuku where he gained a lot of experience in the fundamentals of construction. “Unfortunately, it didn’t have a long lifespan, but it gave me a lot of experience in terms of cement, sand, bricks, water and the quality of product you need to produce. Thereafter, I started marketing myself to pursue other projects,” he said.

Asino narrated that he then started his current project in Oshakati, where he is constructing 70 houses in Ekuku and has successfully completed 50 of them.

“Moving on now to the final 20, which we are waiting on approval from the ministry and the registration by the lawyers,” he added.



Optimum experience

Asino and his team said they try to provide an optimum experience for clients by engaging them throughout the building process.

“From the onset, we give them a building plan. Both parties agree to it and we design the house for them as well. We also create a budget for them, and they agree with that as well. So, based on all the agreements, we ensure that we comply with everything that we have agreed upon.

“Sometimes we add a little bit more. For instance with the mango trees in my current project. All the houses I build will get a mango tree,” Asino said.

He highlighted the process of constructing a building, stating that it starts with the foundation, followed by the building of walls brick by brick until roof level. Once the trusses and roof sheets are installed, the company proceeds to install ceilings, electrical channels, plumbing, doors, windows and tiles, and finishes with painting.

“It is a process that becomes easier – effortless - the more you construct,” Asino said.



Building a reputation

The company founder went on to add that the satisfaction he gets from seeing communities develop is what keeps him motivated.

“It is really a good feeling seeing your success. I would to thank the town council of Oshakati for giving us that opportunity to be able to grow and develop communities. I did it successfully because I am a person who does not fail to complete any project I take on.

“I make a point of it because I am trying to build my reputation. Because if I don’t build my reputation and be reliable, then I will not be rewarded for the success I attain,” Asino explained.

Speaking on the post- construction procedure, he explained that all newly constructed homes need to undergo evaluation before they are handed over to the client. “Before a house is handed over, the evaluators will come and assess the work we have done. So, once the assessment is done, then we can handover the house.

“So, if damage that is significant is picked up thereafter, and it was overlooked and not detected by the evaluators, then there is a procedure of evaluation in place again. But we always try to make our clients happy to the best of our ability,” he said.