Progress report on building

After Operation Murambatsvina, SIRDC was invited to take part in the Operation Garikayi/Hlalani kuhle where Government was providing housing for the people affected by the clean-up exercise.

Parallel to the construction activities being done by the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development at Whitecliff, the SIRDC’s Building Technology Institute (BTI) and other stakeholders were invited to showcase the different low-cost housing technologies that are readily available in the country. This would allow the people to make choices on what technologies to use for their houses, depending on personal taste and finances. Because of its proven successes and expertise, the Building Technology Institute was requested to put up a model house using the rammed earth technology.

Construction of the model three bed roomed house started on the June 29, 2005.

Current state of completion stands as follows: house is 97% complete, superstructure is complete and the roofing at 98%. Internal and external plastering is complete. Floor screed completed on September 1, 2005.

The outstanding items to the house are glazing, ceiling installation, second fixing to electrical installation and painting. These works are expected to be completed by week ending September 9, 2005.