Construction of Traditional Houses Under ECHO / ActionAid Support
In partnership with ECHO (European Commission Humanitarian Aid) and ActionAid, Swabhiman Samiti facilitated the construction of 78 traditional houses in 3 revenue villages and 8 hamlets in Uska Bazar. This initiative aimed to provide shelter to those in need, especially in flood-affected areas where many families had lost their homes.
- Objective of the Program:
The primary objective of this program was to:
- Construct traditional houses for marginalized families who were living in inadequate conditions.
- Empower the community by allowing them to take part in the selection process for the beneficiaries.
- Ensure safe, durable housing that would provide protection against natural disasters, such as floods, which frequently affect the region.
- Selection Process:
The beneficiaries for the housing project were selected through a community-driven approach:
- Community meetings were held in each of the 8 hamlets.
- The members of the community collectively chose the beneficiaries, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in the process.
- After the community validation, the names of the selected beneficiaries were included in the final list, following a verification process conducted by the Swabhiman Samiti team.
- Construction of Houses:
The houses were constructed on the land provided by the beneficiaries. Swabhiman Samiti ensured that the houses met the required standards for safety, durability, and sustainability.
- Each house was built using traditional materials, suitable for the local environment.
- The average cost of constructing one house was approximately ₹26,000.
- List of Houses Constructed:
The following is the list of traditional houses constructed under the program:
Serial No. | Revenue Village (Hamlet) | Number of Houses Constructed |
1 | Sekhui (Reharwa) | 6 |
2 | Sekhui (Chaibaha) | 9 |
3 | Taal Baghiya (Baghiya) | 13 |
4 | Hathiwad Tal (School Tola) | 18 |
5 | Hathiwad Tal (Ramphal Tola) | 13 |
6 | Hathiwad Tal (Tiwari Tola) | 8 |
7 | Hathiwad Tal (Bengali Tola) | 4 |
8 | Hathiwad Tal (Khaderu Tola) | 7 |
Total | 78 |
- Impact of the Program:
The construction of 78 houses had a significant impact on the local community:
- Improved Shelter: The houses provided safe and secure living conditions for families who were previously living in unsafe and poor-quality homes.
- Community Empowerment: The involvement of the community in the selection process not only ensured fairness but also encouraged community ownership of the project.
- Economic Contribution: The construction of the houses helped local skilled laborers and craftsmen earn income by being involved in the building process.
- Conclusion:
Swabhiman Samiti’s collaboration with ECHO and ActionAid to construct traditional houses for flood-affected communities in Uska Bazar has provided vital support to those in need of shelter. This project exemplifies the importance of community-driven development and partnerships to address critical needs such as housing and basic security.
Through this initiative, Swabhiman Samiti continues to improve the living conditions of marginalized populations, empowering them to rebuild their lives in a more sustainable and resilient way.