WJFB had a mission trip to China with 2 housing construction experts in April 2001. The purpose of this trip was to determine the feasibility of implementing a low-cost housing project for the poorest families in the mountain areas in Sichuan.

Focus was given to the highest need farming families in three villages to the south of Nanchong city. There has been a drought for the past 8 years in this region. Some farmers have changed their crops to wheat or corn in order to maintain a crop in the dryer conditions.

It will take years to recover financially, even when the drought is over. The housing conditions are extremely poor. The homes we visited were very old, from 60 to over 100 years, and were run down. They were typically built with standing stonewalls, and thatch or clay. The top half of the walls were usually lattice bamboo strips with plastered mud. Floors were earthen. In many cases the families are living with livestock and in unsanitary conditions. All the houses we visited are in need of repair and cleanup at the very least. With their financial situation, they do not have the ability to do this work.

WJFB recommended that the housing for the very needy should be replaced, along with providing education and improving the sanitation system for a healthy living environment. The rural house-setting concept will require a different approach than that of the surrounding villages or urban municipalities. Local culture and traditional life style also need to be considered for housing in this area. We suggested building houses in different stages. First, we would build a small amount of houses by using the traditional method and materials in order to set up the process and procedures for the project. Then, the intention would be to use North America steel frame technology combined with local materials. This technology is applicable to the mountain area. It is low cost and easy to transport the building materials. WJFB decided to build houses not only for the poorest families but also for moderately poor and middle class families. We would build subsidized housing for families who cannot afford to pay much. And for others we would receive partial repayment. The money received will be used for other projects to help the poor in the same area.

WJFB and SWPI (our host country partner) are working on the detailed plan for the first stage of the project. We have decided to build a dozen houses in one of the villages we visited before. Fifty percent of the houses will be fully subsidized by WJFB. The other 50% will be funded by WJFB and partially paid back by the house owner.

This sustainable project will bring other benefits to the community. A significant number of local personnel will be trained, and job opportunities will be created. Transfer of building technology for development and construction of this new housing will enable the community to develop an efficient, self-sustaining industry.
 

(C) World Job and Food Bank.
jedison@wjfb.org