Housing, Hygiene, Sanitation, and Energy for Families in Dire Dewa
Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia recently launched the “Housing, Hygiene, Sanitation, and Energy Project ” in the fast-growing city of Dire Dewa, eastern Ethiopia. Through this project, 28 families will become homeowners with access to improved sanitation and enhanced hygiene practices. Realizing this project, Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia aims to significantly improve the lives of families who live in substandard houses which exposes them to safety and health risks. This will be achieved through ensuring access to safe and adequate housing, enhancing hygiene and sanitation practices, and promoting the use of renewable energy.
The project launch event brought together Dire Dewa City Administration senior government officials, community members and Habitat for Humanity staff. As part of the event, a cornerstone was laid by the Mayor of Dire Dewa City Administration Kedir Juhar and Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia National Director and Representative to African Union Yitna Tekaligne.
In his message as guest of honor mayor Kedir stated that the project is the beginning of the aspired partnership between the city administration and Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia. He further mentioned that the city administration will avail all the necessary support to Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia.
Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia National Director and Representative to Africa Union Yitna Tekaligne said that the housing project is part of Habitat’s contribution to mitigate critical housing challenges in Dire Dewa and other cities. Yitna added, “In collaboration with the city Administration, we will support families in need of housing through additional projects and build ‘Habitat Village’ in Dire Dewa.’’
In this life-changing project, we will:
• Construct 28 housing units using a quadruplex design
• Construct 28 kitchens, each fitted with energy-saving stoves
• Construct 28 ventilated dry pit latrines for improved sanitation.
