20 safe houses for each cane growing regions
The Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) and Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Fiji are working together to deliver the Build Back Safer (BBS) programme by constructing 20 safe low-cost houses in each of the Fiji sugar cane growing regions. The HFH Fiji BBS programme will train up to 400 community carpenters including farmers and homeowners from 27 communities on safer, simple yet effective construction techniques. HFH Fiji National Director, Mr Masi Latianara said, “The aim of the BBS program is to multiply the effect of this training by bringing together communities who will then be available as an informal network to assist families in the reconstruction of their homes.”
“The BBS training culminates in the construction of a cyclone-resilient Habitat core house. This structure serves as a tangible model for the community members to be able to continue to learn from after the training. Each structure is accompanied by BBS billboards that reinforce the basic techniques taught in the training. All participants are provided with BBS booklets that comprise details on techniques taught in the 70 percent practical and 30 percent theory program. We are more than glad to partner with APTC in reaching out to vulnerable communities with this training programme,” he added.
Under the partnership, HFH Fiji will identify suitable construction sites and house types in the sugar belt and APTC will provide training and administrative support. “Building demonstration houses will help people develop skills to construct safer dwellings, especially those rebuilding after TC Winston,” said APTC CEO, Ms Denise O’Brien.
Last year, the two institutions partnered to build 40 new shelters for families affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston, supported by the Australian Government and the European Union (EU) through its Training Support to the Fijian Sugarcane Industry Project.
This project is part of the long-standing assistance that the EU has been providing to the sugar sector in Fiji, worth about EUR 50 million to date. In addition, EUR 10 million has been committed in 2016 to help the agriculture and the sugar sector recovery after TC Winston. Meanwhile, the construction of the 20 low-cost buildings is expected to be completed by July.