Building a better, resilient Samoa

By Diedre Fanene 18 December 2015, 12:00AM

A project that aims to provide better homes for Samoans has been officially launched.

The Habitat Build Project is a venture between the Samoa Housing Corporation, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (A.D.R.A.) and Habitat for Humanity, New Zealand.

Launched at the A.D.R.A. headquarters at Lalovaea, the Managing Director of A.D.R.A. Samoa, Su’a Julia Wallwork, said the project is designed to give members of the public the opportunity to improve their homes and living conditions.

 “This is to help provide for better housing outcomes for the families who apply for help,” she said.

“The difference between this project and other projects is that for other projects, the recipients were given gifts because their homes were affected by natural disasters.

“However, with this project the government is encouraging our people to contribute to their own development and their own well being.”

Habitat for Humanity New Zealand and A.D.R.A. have been working together for some time but the arrival of the Samoa Housing Corporation has been an added boost.

 “The whole idea of the project is that Habitat for Humanity designs the concept that people would apply, their needs and their ability to repay a loan would be assessed and through the Samoa Housing Corporation they can apply for a loan for materials. Only and then Habitat and A.D.R.A. would provide the labour to build.”

The loans would be granted at a reduced rate.

A.D.R.A. Samoa is the implementing agency.

“The main reason why we agreed to take on this partnership is that not only do we have the experience and the knowledge of the needs of the vulnerable families but also we want to continue working with the communities and families in following our motto which is Making a Difference, One Life at a Time.”

Overall, the project hopes to build stronger homes so that the recipients are better prepared for natural disasters.

The project will also help the communities with financial literacy training so they can make better decisions about managing their money.

By Diedre Fanene 18 December 2015, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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