The Road to Nakaracia

The Nakaracia Project

Since the team formed, Mataisau is being involved in getting one of the PCN and ACHR major projects underway. This is a plan to create a new community through planning and subdividing a given piece of land for squatter settlers who are facing eviction to relocate to.  Through the process the community dwellers themselves are given the chance to design the given piece of land according to their preferences and plan their dream houses to be built on the land.

However the team tries to keep the design under a leash, with consideration to the building regulations and health and safety requirements and most importantly the budget.

The plans are revised taking the people’s ideas into consideration and then presented to the Government and local authorities for perusal and to seek for assistance in financing and advice.

Process using the idea of mapping

First the community dwellers are given some information on the land  including a map and they a given a chance to divide the piece of land themselves into their preferable plot size and the setting of their plots on a scaled map.

Then the idea of creating a community space is given, for them to decide where to include this in the land area.This community space include community halls, markets, health centers, bus shelters etc.

Group Presentation


After they have set up the layout of how they want their project to look like, they give a brief explanation to the
rest of the group.

 

This information is then compiled by the team and a final layout is

decided.

Final Layout

House Designs


Moreover the plans for the houses are presented to the people together with its affordability categories.  The people then decide on which house designs are suitable for them in terms of comfort and affordability and they are also free to give in suggestion on how to achieve a cheaper costs.

The house plans are designed to meet the lowest budget as possible with the structural integrity intact.

The house cost is put on board for discussion

The Models

Hugo elaborates on the models

After the models are presented the people take time to measure out how big the living space of the house is.

 

So far the people have agreed to the designs and cost of the house, but still the team awaits the approval of the design by the local authorities for the advancement of the project.

However, in regards to the time frame plan, the project is to start ground work in another five years time. Yet, while the project still far to proceed; the occupants of the new Nakaracia Community have efficient time to save up money for their house and land.

Here is how the funding of the project works out:

·         PCN negotiates land with the Land owner (in this case the Government) and secures land tenure for certain number of years.

·         PCN works with ACHR to design new settlement

·         ACHR works with the people to get their desired settlement

·         People pay PCN for the land and house

·         PCN pay land owner for lease

Moreover, PCN has successfully setup a saving scheme for the people to lighten the future financial burden and also PCN continues to seek for assistance from Government and other Donor agency to reduce cost to the project, and so far there has been a favorable response.

In fact the government has agreed to assist in the cost of public services to the new community. This includes water, electricity and sewerage services. The government was very pleased with the idea of Nakaracia Project and pledges its full support to get the project underway.   

The road to Nakaracia