Background and objectives:

The first phase of the project concentrated on just 1 out of the 6 districts in Lofa County (Salayea), while the second phase focused on all districts. This was to ensure that all regions in the county benefited from the intervention of enhanced settlement layouts, improved housing construction skills and sustainable training of other UNHCR implementing partners and District Development Committees (DDCs).

The objectives of the programme are to improve shelter delivery, utilize improved low-cost materials for construction, and empower community members to construct their housing units with due regard to environmental and health issues.  

Activities:
The following activities were implemented for effective shelter delivery:

• Identifying and recruiting relevant staff to implement the project;
• Relocating staff to areas with adequate resources so as to impact on the various operational areas;
• Establishing District Development Committees and Shelter Committees in all districts;
• Liaising with other UNHCR implementing partners and conducting trainings in basic settlement planning, rehabilitation of shelters and construction of community facilities;
• Organising workshops so communities become acquainted with the benefits of properly planned settlements and improved health facilities.

Results:
The project was completed in December 2006. It delivered the following outputs:

• Ailments related to poorly ventilated and/or congested environments reduced among the beneficiary population;
• UNHCR implementing partners and community development committees participated in shelter delivery and community settlement planning as a result of training and effective participation in reconstruction of shelters and community facilities;
• The use of low-cost building materials adopted in the construction of new homes;
• Women involved in settlement planning matters;
• Recreational space provided for children and adults in all settlements.