CI-NEWS

IC3 to embark on low-cost housing project By Kah Sandy.

2019-07-16

No: 436

IC3 to embark on low-cost housing project By Kah Sandy.

Owning a decent house is still an unattainable goal for many African households. The lack of affordable housing finance, high costs of urban land and rising construction costs are major challenges to addressing the continent’s housing crisis.

It is against this backdrop that the CEO and DG of the Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce Cameroon, Sean Mbi Takem Baiyee ,together with the honorary consul of Cameroon to Denmark, Axel Juhl Jorgensen, are charting ways of embarking on the construction of low cost houses in Cameroon.

“Better Shelter.org, A home away from home”, as the project name goes, is aimed at bringing a solution to the housing problem in the country, thereby alleviating poverty.

The houses according to the project boss will be sold at price 2.5 million FCFA, with space that can accommodate up to 5 persons. As a result, Cameroonians can spend or divert their income on basic needs such as clothing, transportation, healthcare, and food.

Better Shelter is a 17.5 m2 modular emergency and transitional shelter developed according to fair standards for humanitarian use. The structure’s steel frame is securely anchored to the ground and clad with tough yet light weight roof and wall panels. It includes four windows, four ventilation openings and lockable door. The solar panel on the roof will generate power to illuminate a built-in lamp as well as power for the charging of electronic devices. It equally has a modular design system which can be added or removed to create different structures.

This structure has a minimum lifespan of 3 years and requires no skilled labour. In addition, it protects against heavy rain, wind, sun and enables predictable planning, budgeting and implementation, amongst other benefits.

The shelter is delivered in two flat packs including all components and necessary tools and can be assembled by four people in five to six hours without the need for electricity. The shelter can be adapted to suit specific contexts and applications. The unit can be upgraded using local materials. It is easily maintained and components can easily be replaced in the event of damage. It can be dismantled, moved and remounted.

Better Shelter seeks to curb economic challenges in Cameroon such as large housing deficits, poor urban infrastructure, amongst others. Access to affordable housing will certainly go a long way to improve education outcomes, increase health and wellbeing, boost economic activity, and also lower social service costs for the state and local governments.

The prefabricated solution is delivered in ready to assemble flat packs and can be adapted for different areas of use, making it a versatile and scalable shelter option for humanitarian organisations in various contexts worldwide.

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IC3 to embark on low-cost housing project By Kah Sandy.