Housing Project
Introduction
92% of Ugandans do not own their own house. Many have to rent if they want to be where the work is and have to pay very high costs. High rental costs mean that many give up and return to village life where opportunities for work and progress are minimal.
Our Vision
To help families afford credible accommodation in an organized family based environment.
How it works
Willing donors help in acquiring a sizeable piece of land, which is demarcated into plots of 80 X 100ft.Such a plot can accommodate a house as well as land for growing crops.
Using funds from Wellspring sponsors, new houses are built with either two or three bedrooms.
A family or an individual applies to move in. Once accepted they pay a commitment fee to own the piece of land on offer.
The house owners pay for the house over a period of ten years in monthly installments. These installments start from as little as £24 per month, which is less than they would pay renting a tiny two-roomed apartment in Bweyogerere.
Monthly repayments are recycled into the ongoing building of further houses.
Building costs have risen by 30% this year alone, with cement selling at nearly £10 a bag. We are currently looking worldwide for alternative ways of building.
Progress and Plans
The housing project is located just off of the Jinja Road east of Kampala, approximately 15km from Wellspring and is a three phase operation.:
Phase 1: Nakapinyi A - 3 acres. 23 houses, 10 completed
Phase 2: Nakapinyi B - 5.5 acres. Plans for 50 houses
Phase 3 Lugazi site - 15 acres. Site yet to be acquired.
Related Projects
Water - This still poses a big challenge. Our aim is to construct a central system using an above ground tank that is filled by a solar pump. At the moment we build tanks that can give a family 8,000 litres, the main source of this water being in the rainy season. We are still looking for partners/sponsors to assist in this vital resource.
Electricity - The electricity company plans to install lines within the next ten years. We are seeking to acquire sponsorship for solar systems per household.
Recreation area - We have allocated ¼ of an acre for community use with plans for a green area for play and relaxation. Still awaiting sponsorship.
Community hall - As a way of giving back to this community we have planned for a hall that could be used for weddings, get togethers, seminars, use as a doctor’s surgery once a week, a nursery gathering point, and church meetings etc. Still awaiting sponsorship.
Costs and Support
Funds for housing in Africa go a long way. 3000 GBP provides a family with a 2 bedroom house with bathroom, kitchen, store and living room. 3700 GBP provides for a three bedroomed house. You'll see above too that there are plenty of opportunities to sponsor these related projects too.
In order to make the most of the housing programme opportunities opened up for us we remain very dependent on the generosity of doners. Please contact us if you are in a position to help in this way. If you are in Africa contact us at Wellspring Uganda, if you are from the UK/Europe or the west, please contact our Links International Partners.