Demonstration

DW collaborates with individual families to strengthen their existing home. Each beneficiary house is surveyed, the weaknesses discussed and a contract drawn up detailing the work to be done to make the building safe and defining the contribution that will be made by the family and by the project. The project makes a subsidised contribution in the order of about 150 US$ and since the beginning of 2002 the family has access to a credit fund to contribute to costs. The family covers all of the remaining costs, and, using trained skilled labour and their own help, manages the strengthening work.

DW also collaborates with the commune to strengthen small public buildings, including primary schools, kindergartens and markets, as these buildings provide additional exposure for the same techniques that can be used on homes.

No two buildings have the same strengthening needs, but typical actions include ensuring that all parts of the structure are solidly tied together, that the roof covering is securely held done with reinforced ribs or bars, that the building has strong doors and shutters and that walls are made more water and wind resistant.

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