CARITAS builds homes for cyclone-hit Malawians
Churches Action in Relief and Development constructs transitional houses in Nsanje district to support communities affected by tropical Cyclone Ana.
NSANJE, MALAWI — In response to the impact of tropical cyclone Ana, Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) has commenced the construction of thirty transitional houses in the Shire Valley district of Nsanje, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
According to the Senior Project Officer for CARD, Jane Lichapa, the organisation is implementing this project in the areas of Senior Chiefs Malemia and Tengani.
"In Tengani area, CARD is constructing 30 transitional houses in the area of Group Village Headman Mwendomthengo, while 20 such shelters are being built in the area of Group Village Headman Mambundungu in Malemia," Lichapa stated.
Lichapa also emphasised that these transitional shelters possess resilient features such as a widespread roof, that withstands strong winds and prevents rainwater from reaching the walls.
"The transitional shelters have proven to be more resilient than normal structures, based on our past experience. Consequently, we aim to promote the use of these resilient structures within the communities," explained Lichapa.
Regarding the sustainability of the project, Lichapa highlighted the use of locally available resources and the involvement of local artisans trained in brick moulding techniques using soil bricks and earth-compressed bricks.
"The locals will not face any challenges as the brick moulding equipment will be available in the area, encouraging them to continue building housing infrastructure using earth-compressed bricks," Lichapa assured.
Million Asidi, one of the beneficiaries from Mphakamiso village, expressed his gratitude to CARD for providing him with a durable transitional house after his previous dwelling was destroyed by tropical cyclone Ana.
Asidi described the house as an "all-seasonal shelter" and expressed his disbelief at having such a dwelling.
The construction of these transitional houses aims to provide immediate and sustainable support to the communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Ana.