CARD to Construct Transitional Shelters for Cyclone Ana Survivors
The project, which is funded by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), will see the construction of 920 transitional shelters at a cost of $2 million.
Chikwawa/Nsanje, Malawi-Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) has begun construction of transitional shelters in the Shire Valley districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje for survivors of Tropical Cyclone Ana, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
The project, which is funded by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), will see the construction of 920 transitional shelters at a cost of $2 million.
"The locals should have the powers to design their house; hence, the transitional shelter is just temporary while they recover," said Sekai Mudonhi, Country Director for CRS Malawi.
"The soil-compressed bricks are stronger than the usually burned bricks," said Tobias Kawirawira, a beneficiary of the project.
"The communities have received capacity building on how to mould bricks using the device, he said. After the completion of the project, it will be the property of the people."
The shelters will be built using soil-compressed bricks, which are stronger than traditional burned bricks.
The bricks are left to dry in the shade for 14 days, which makes them even stronger.
"The shelters will be designed by the local communities and built with their input," said Mudonhi.
"This ensures that the shelters are suitable for the needs of the people who will be living in them."
The project is expected to be completed in six months. Once the shelters are completed, they will be the property of the communities.
The construction of the transitional shelters is a welcome development for the people of Chikwawa and Nsanje, who were severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Ana.
The shelters will provide much-needed temporary housing for the survivors of the cyclone.
The project is also a testament to the work of CARD and CRS, which are working to help the people of Malawi recover from the effects of the cyclone.