BaMBOO SHelTeR PROJeCT
During a trip in Nepal just before the April 2015 earthquake, we came in contact with some wonderful people and initiatives, including a project by the French aid organization Enfance Nepal, that helps Nepali children in extreme need. With the earthquake these needs have become even more acute.
30 June 2015, some really good news :
The Bamboo Shelter Project has reached its target of 200 shelters for homeless families in Khokana!
Enfance Nepal is a French volunteer organization that since 2002 supports various projects in Nepal, including the Bamboo Shelter Project that aims to build 200 bamboo shelters for homeless families in Khokana, a village located south of Kathmandu where three quarters of the homes have been destroyed. The organization has a deep link with the village through the orphanage that it runs there.
Why bamboo shelters?
- the monsoon season is coming ;
- tents currently used as temporary shelter cannot withstand the heavy rains nor the extreme heat;
- bamboo shelters are more spacious and more hygienic ;
- afterwards they can serve as stables or workshops ;
- in return for the shelters, the village has committed itself to rebuild homes as much as possible in line with cultural heritage and seismic standards.
For this project the Fondation de France has already financed 100 shelters. Our friend Gopal (photo) coordinates the works on site.
According to Nepali government figures of June 2015, 500.000 homes have been destroyed and another 270.000 damaged. - childfundalliance.org
What are the needs?
At least 200 bamboo shelters for the most affected families.
What are the costs?
400 euros per shelter which should also provide a toilet and a water tank.
What does it take?
Men build the structures and women do the finishing work. The construction of the shelters is a community effort that generates mutual aid and solidarity. Families join together to build a shelter for one of them and then do the same for another family. Some also have decided to regroup several cottages into a larger one.
Bamboo Fact Sheet
- Availability
- Sustainability
- Construction
- Material
- Skills
Availability
Sustainability
Construction
Material
Skills
Update July 2015 : where are we at?
Khokana at the outset of the 2015 monsoon.
The initial target of 200 bamboo shelters has been met, which is great but still is only a start. An appeal has now come in for 50 more shelters from two surrounding villages, Bungamati and Chhampi, located south of Kathmandu in an area where many homes have been destroyed.
The needs remain high in Khokana with mud and debris to be removed, the village’s streets that lay in ruins and the rains that make everything more difficult.
50 homeless Nepali families need a shelter for the monsoon.
Let’s make a difference.
sushmita
26 August 2019 (04:29)
how durable are bamboo houses in rainy area or days ?