Bengaluru: For many years, two rag pickers and their families lived in a shed fashioned out of metal sheets. There was neither privacy nor proper protection. The two were forced to spend many nights fearing attacks from stray dogs and other animals. Now however, they have been moved into a luxurious two-storeyed house built in on a plot measuring 35×35.
This is how two NGOs from the city – Hasiru Dala and the SELCO foundation – changed the lives of the families of Devaraj Gosai and Jayabai in the Kunti village located on the city’s outskirts. The even better part is that 80% of the building materials are recyclable!
It all started last year when the shed in which these families were living, collapsed following heavy rains. Both the families (a total of nine members) were forced to take shelter inside a local temple. After the SELCO Foundation and Hasiru Dala came to know about their situation, they joined hands, collected the required materials from donors and built a two-storeyed building. The building was handed over to the two families last week- the ground floor for Devaraj and his family and the top floor for Jayabai and her family.
According to Devaraj and Jayabai, the total cost of the building came up to Rs 12 lakhs. Both the NGOs managed to raise Rs 7.44 lakhs and the balance was borne by the families.
Nalini Shekar, founder of Hasiru Dala said that 80% of the building materials are recyclable. Phaninder Singh from the SELCOM foundation and architect Nirmitha designed these houses.
Jayabai added that the quality of construction is very good and that the government must think of using the services of the NGos for the construction of such houses for all rag pickers.
