Project Background

Sahara Nepal has been in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International Nepal since 2005, for the construction of low-cost disaster resilient houses for the vulnerable, deprived, poor and disadvantaged communities. The projects have been implemented in Jhapa and Morang districts of Koshi Province. The blended approach has been adopted integrating the local governments, private sector and local communities to anticipate the projects. This particular approach along with assets based community development and owner driven model is one of the acclaimed approaches for sustainability prospects in Nepal. The projects have been entirely designed anticipating on community involvement, family ownership and prioritized use of local resources.
The integrated partnership modality is the one which has been agreed between Habitat for Humanity Nepal (HFHN) and Sahara Nepal under which Utthansil Aawas- Resilient Settlement, Digo Samudaaya, Resilient Sustainable Inclusive Easter Nepal- RISEN, Habitat Young Leaders Build, Hilti and Community Housing projects have been and are under execution. The overall objective of all the projects is to provide support to ultra-poor, vulnerable and marginalized families to build safer/ decent house.

Major Activities

155 safe houses were constructed in different rural/ municipalities of Jhapa and Morang districts.

Community awareness program (workshop, Orientation, land property and right, DRR management, User committee formation and Operation, different campaign).

Conducted the meeting of the Disaster Management Committee and supported in formation of the LDMC and CDMC.

Provide technical support to CDMCs/ WDMCs/ LDMC in disability and gender inclusion, climate change adaptation in DR3 plans.

Organized an event of three-days training to local government staffs and LDMCs on Gender and Disability inclusive DR3 including housing and Climate Change Adaptation.

Promoted Market System development for the bamboo promotion and utilization. Social mobilization and technical support for the construction of the new houses.

Facilitate to prepare DRR/ LDCRP plan of working area. Monitoring and supervision of construction activities.

Conducted training like as PASSA, land rights orientation to targeted group. Conducted meeting on DPAC/ LPAC for transparency.

Major Achievements

Completed and Handover of more than 3000 safe shelters to homeless marginalized communities.

833 Landless Families have received ‘Nissa’ (tenureship of Land) from the Local Govt. (Jhapa R.M.)

Increased awareness level about treated bamboo

All Disaster Management Committee (DMCs) are reformed with Gender & PWD inclusivity- Jhapa R.M.

Acknowledgement & Appreciation by Local Government (highly demanded), budget allocation by RMs for safe shelter

Coordination/Collaboration

Well coordination and strong relationship with respective stakeholders.

Coordination with Respective municipalities for financial support

Respective User's Committee for house construction activities.

Collaboration with like-minded partner organization.

Major Lessons Learned

Safe Housing Program has been established as an integral part of local government (well recognized, appreciated and highly demanded by local governments).

Increased awareness and knowledge among community members about safe housing practices, resulting in enhanced disaster preparedness and risk reduction.

Increased awareness level of Local Government/ staffs and community people about importance of treated bamboo as a useful material of housing solutions.

Strengthened community networks and empowered community members to take a proactive role to advocate for safer housing using treated bamboo material in their neighborhoods.

Collaboration with government agencies to integrate treated bamboo into housing planning policies and building codes, promoting sustainable and resilient development.

Raised community awareness about potential hazards, their impacts, and the measures individuals and communities can take to reduce risks including pre-preparedness and response plan.