Pre-cast method for rebuilding houses in NK

Technology was used for construction of underpasses in Bangalore

 
The government intends to construct over 50,000 houses with a Netherlands-based company donating both the technology as well as bearing 75 per cent of the cost of construction.

The technology was used in the construction of several underpasses in Bangalore in the past, including the first underpass constructed by BBMP at the Cauvery junction. The construction was completed in a month’s time, although it was originally planned to be completed in 72 hours.

The Department of Housing recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)with the Netherlands-based Cyan Holdings to construct 50,000 houses using this technology.
Cyan MD Bidiadhar Ja Jairam signed the MoU, according to which the State government will bear 25 percent. This is the first that the State government is opting for pre-cast technology on a large scale.

Housing Secretary G V Kongawad said the Cyan Holdings had built houses using the technology in countries like Suriname and Gambia. Moulds of cement concrete would be at a location near Bagalkot and transported to construction sites. “Experts from the company  will come out with the design of the house by the first week of January,” he said.

The Housing Department will allot half an acre of land in Bagalkot for setting up a unit to manufacture the pre-cast blocks. Bagalkot has been chosen for locating the unit as it is geographically in the middle of the flood-affected area in north Karnataka. The company will bring machinery from Netherlands.

The pre-cast construction of houses will only cover such dwellings that have collapsed completely due to the floods. If need be, the technology will be adopted for construction of houses in new villages being developed to shift the frequently affected villages. Insulating the roof to beat high temperatures is part of the design.

According to the department, the cost of each house would be around Rs one lakh. At that rate, the total cost of the project will be Rs 500 crore, with the State being required to pitch Rs 125 crore.