Building of 50 new dwellings in DR of the Congo

Executed by the NGO Grandissons Ensemble in the outskirts of Kinshasa (in the commune of Limette), the specific objectives of the project were:

• Procure a decent dwelling for 50 vulnerable families of the Kingabwa’s neighbourhood.
• Protect 50 families against the elements and natural calamities
• Save dignity and sanity for those families.

To do so, the NGO could count on the involvement of the families and the authorities.

On one hand, the families participated in the project: Upstream, in terms of reflection on their situation and possible solutions; During the project: in the preparation of the site, community savings to build up additional funds, in supplying some materials and food ration, in providing labour for the masons; they also ensured the On the other hand, the safety of the materials made available to them for the smooth running of the project.

On the other hand, the local authorities also made their contribution by facilitating the administrative procedures with regard to the execution site and by ensuring the safety of the families and their property.

The project did face some difficulty during its implementation: the ground being swampy (and/or full of garbage), the organization had to place footings to raise the foundation’s level and lay stringers to prevent humidity and flooding.

In terms of the materials used in the framework of the project, the following ones were used: cement, stones, wood, sheets, iron bars, annealing wire, sand, water, nails.

Finally, in terms of project’s outputs and impacts:

1. The housing conditions of the 50 families supported have significantly improved, as well as the health of the children.
2. During the process, the families integrated the dimension of community savings and will be able to continue in this line for future projects. The families as well as the other members of the community have understood, thanks to this experience, that they can improve their housing conditions from community savings. The project has been a boost for the families.
3. This experience has generated a certain solidarity between the members of the community who have mobilized to ensure that the project arrives successfully.