PROJECT 4 - South Africa

Build IT International has been approached by the Potsdam Youth Development Program (PYDP) based near the township Mdantsane which was built during the apartheid years to provide a source of labour for the city of East London. It's a poor area but since 2004 a number of community enterprises have been set up including a gardening service and concrete block making. Both have been successful with 25 youths now fully employed.

The next objective identified is to expand the building materials product range to include tile and paving stones. Market assessments are encouraging and BII has been asked to provide technical assistance in setting up workshops.

Andrew Jowett visited Potsdam in early July. He was impressed with the level of community commitment and the dedication of the young men and women working on the project. It was also clear that there is a huge need to improved housing in this very poor, rural community.

Andrew agreed that that before Build IT International can back the project, a business plan needs to be drawn up. This would look at the potential market for roof tiles and the costs involved in production. There are also issues around how the project is organised as it needs to be clearly separate from other community activities. Build IT International is providing some advice to complete this work and we hope that a project will emerge soon.

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