Eureka Homes Implemented by AID INDIA

TN Flood Rehab: Huts to Homes Project Koovathur Colony, Near Kalpakkam

for

Selvi, Kumar and their two children

Eureka Homes Project: 2

Selvi and Kumar work as day wage labourers. Kumar has epilepsy and the family is entirely run by Selvi. Their monthly family income is around Rs. 4000 ($70).

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The flood completely destroyed Selvi’s hut. Selvi was so shattered that she refused to talk or eat for an entire week.

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Eureka Homes coordinator Samu discussed with the village community. Though they were all affected by floods, everyone agreed that Selvi’s hut reconstruction was the

top priority. The villagers knew Selvi was the poorest and had suffered the most. This upfront discussion prevented ill-will and got the whole village involved in the project.

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First we dismantled the broken hut. Selvi and Kumar were fully involved in all aspects of the planning and construction. This activity also got them out of their depression!

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After the broken hut was completely cleared, the community conducted a small pooja to start the house construction. Selvi’s entire plot area is only 190 sqft.

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Though we were only constructing the ground floor, we made the foundation strong with RCC beams so that later Selvi could construct another floor on top. Eureka Homes

Selvi and Kumar are constructing the floor of the house. The floor height was raised by two steps so that rain water does not enter the house even during heavy rains.

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Then brick walls around the house was built. Eureka Homes

We were planning a cheaper metal frame door. But a local carpenter offered a good wooden door at a low price for Selvi. This door and cement windows were also placed into position.

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First the iron rods for the roof frame was placed. Then Galvanized Iron (GI) sheets were lifted and fixed on the frame. Finally a layer of bricks was laid on the edges.

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An hour of work and a small kitchen is ready! Eureka Homes

A few more hours and two shelves and the entrance steps are also ready!

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After the bricks were covered with a cement finish, a coat of white primer was painted. Eureka Homes

A final coat of blue paint for the walls and white paint for the doors

and a brand new house is ready for Selvi and family to move in! Eureka Homes

23rd Dec 2015 to 7th Jan 2016: A transformation in 16 days!

From a totally destroyed hut to a brand new house for Selvi’s Family

Selvi’s family is super thrilled with their new home. They and we are hopeful that this new house will keep them more healthy and the money they earlier spent on medicines and on

annual repairs of their hut will now be spent on the education of their two girls.

The construction also provided employment for 6 local labourers who were also affected by the floods. The floor area of the house is 190 sqft and the total cost of the construction was Rs. 1.5 Lakhs ($2500).

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