The Ministry of Works and Housing last Friday identified a site at Mafinta village in the Koya Chiefdom, along the Freetown-Masiaka highway, for the construction of low-cost houses so that low income earners could live in more comfortable houses.
Director of Housing, Silvanus Pratt, said the ministry has realized that houses in the country are not enough for people to stay in as many are sleeping in the street and market tables. The ministry, he said, will be constructing three demonstration buildings as examples for potential trainers to see and learn, as that will enhance them to become self-employed.
“This site has been chosen to attract more people, so as to showcase the good work of the ministry and the government,” he said.
Mr. Pratt maintained that the houses will be produced using stabilized soil bricks and are expected to last for 50 years and above, adding that the materials will be produced by Sierra, so the dwellings will be cheaper than most houses in the country.
Hassan Savage, head of Civil Engineering in the ministry, said hopefully after all negotiations have been concluded, they intend to start constructing the buildings shortly after the raining season. The project will be completed this year, he said.
“This project will enhance the public to be able to build for themselves and others will benefit from their skills,” he noted. “We already have trained youths for this project that will train others.”
Paramount Chief of Koya Chiefdom, Bai Kompa Bomboli II, said his chiefdom consists of 367 villages and that he is happy to have the ministry identify his area for such a project. He gave his blessings to the initiative.
PC Bomboli II added that instead of the government empowering youths with physical cash, it is better to give skills training to them. “Skills training is best for the youths as it will live with them for a very long time,” he said.
August 12, 2013
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