The first house to be constructed in the village of Nyamuhunga has been completed on budget (12.7k CD). The longer-than-usual rainy season delayed work because blocks cannot be manufactured when the soil is wet. The family chosen by village residents, a mother, father, and their 6 children, has moved into the home.

The family’s old mud-wattle home in the background and the foundation for the new home being built.

Back of the family’s old home. The woman on the right is Gerry Mushema, the field lead for the initiative. Gerry is also an employee of the Kolping Society of Tanzania, a Tanzanian NGO which operates the trade school and supports local community members in obtaining trade skills in HICSEB (Hollow Interlocking Stabilized Earth Block) technology manufacture and earthquake resistant housing. 

Mother (with blue head dress), 4 of her 6 kids, and Gerry posing in front of their new home and looking VERY happy!

Mother, 3 kids, and Gerry are all SO pleased with the new home. Note the quality of wall blocks. The team has perfected the block manufacturing process. 

Planning with the community for a second in-village house will soon begin. Funding to ICO, from Google’s Christmas Giving Program, is available for this house, but new sources will need to be found for future houses.