Rebuilding hope and homes
PHOTOL FILE
The Sindh Peoples Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) has set out on a monumental task of constructing 2.1 million houses in 24 flood-hit districts of the province. Among the beneficiaries are 800,000 women, who would be directly involved in the construction of their homes which they would own under leasehold rights. This was revealed by Khalid Mehmood Shaikh, a seasoned bureaucrat and CEO of SPHF, on The Express Tribune Podcast hosted by Aisha Abrar.
SPHF was conceived in October 2022, right after the end of torrential rains, when PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari assigned the task to the Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Subsequently, SPHF was established as a non-profit company, attracting $500 million from the World Bank, and $227 million from Government of Sindh. Seeing the significant impact it promised, other developmental organisations like Asian Development Bank also made contributions to the rehabilitation scheme. The project is currently nearing completion of 850,000 housing units, making it the largest rehabilitation project of the world.
"SPHF is not just a housing project; it is like an empowerment process for the homeless victims of the catastrophic floods, under which they would begin their lives with dignity," said Shaikh. "We have seen remarkable stories of resilience and determination among the flood-affected families. Their personal involvement in rebuilding their homes is not just about shelter; it's about reclaiming their futures"
The social impact of the project is profound, as it also fosters community cohesion through village-reconstruction committees, which facilitate beneficiaries in every possible way, by helping them get funds to their bank accounts from the government, buy construction materials, hire labor, and ensure that their houses comply with the requirements. "Unlike the past shelters which comprised of makeshift structures, mud homes, and huts, the housing units under SPHF are cemented, including proper plinths, prefabricated roofs, and gates," Shaikh elaborated, adding that these houses would offer the much-needed security and safety in the event of a catastrophe.
Economically, SPHF is a catalyst for job creation and local economic development. The project is set to create one million jobs in various sectors, from construction to small-scale industries producing housing materials. "We are empowering the beneficiaries to become contributors to their local economies and break the cycle of dependency." Shaikh claimed.
Environmental sustainability is also a key focus of the project, with initiatives like eco-friendly "good bricks" and solar energy adoption. "We are committed to building homes that are not just resilient to disasters but also environmentally responsible," states Shaikh. "Our aim is to minimise our carbon footprint and promote sustainable living practices."
Digital transparency is another hallmark of the SPHF project, with a user-friendly website providing real-time updates on housing progress. Donors and stakeholders can track the impact of their contributions and witness the transformation happening on the ground. "Transparency is the foundation of trust," affirms Shaikh. "We want every donor to see the tangible outcomes of their support."
In all, SPHF stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in post-disaster recovery. It is not merely constructing houses but rebuilding lives, communities, and futures," concludes Shaikh.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 5th, 2024.