DELAWARE, United States — Nepal is a country in South Asia that borders both China and India. Homelessness in Nepal has increased in recent years due to structural deficiencies such as unsupported masonry in many houses. These deficiencies make homes vulnerable to earthquakes in this highly seismic region. Additionally, the main materials currently used for buildings cannot withstand weather and other natural disasters such as earthquakes. Organizations have suggested using treated bamboo combined with cement to strengthen many houses throughout the country and address this issue.
The Problem
Homelessness in Nepal is a growing problem. In 2015, Nepal endured an earthquake that took the lives of nearly 10,000 people and left many more injured. The earthquake caused partial or complete destruction of roughly 600,000 buildings. This loss resulted in an increase in the number of people living in poverty. Today, just over 20% of Nepal’s population lives below the national poverty line. Many houses throughout Nepal are vulnerable to possible destruction from future disasters due to their current construction. Structural deficiencies, including unsupported masonry, necessitate more durable materials that can withstand the conditions they face annually.
A Possible Solution
Treated bamboo has many supporters who advocate for it as the main material for future buildings. Bamboo is durable and long-lasting, with significant resistibility and elasticity, making it ideal for a country that frequently endures earthquakes. Treated bamboo, combined with cement, creates a cement-bamboo frame that effectively combats earthquake effects. The main challenge with implementing bamboo as a key material is the public perception that it is a “poor man’s timber.” Many in Nepal do not recognize its true value, as it is one of the cheapest building materials available, often chosen by low-income families. To establish bamboo as the primary building material, organizations and individuals must work to change this perception. However, this perception is already starting to change rapidly.
Key Reasons for Optimism
Local leaders across Nepal have started to recognize the impressive benefits of bamboo and are advocating for its increased use. Some regions have already begun to use more bamboo in housing, notably in Kanepokhari. Two organizations, Habitat for Humanity and the Hilti Foundation, have been working to make treated bamboo and cement the main materials for structures in Nepal. Habitat for Humanity began in 1976, while the Hilti Foundation started in 1996. Since 2012, they have collaborated in multiple countries. In Nepal, they strengthen relationships with local farmers who collect and sell the bamboo and ensure there are enough suitable locations to treat it for housing use. They also educate the workforce on creating the necessary structures and inform the public about the benefits. Their partnership has resulted in 274 bamboo-cement framed homes built by 2023. This is positive news, creating hundreds of housing options and helping to reduce homelessness.
Looking Ahead
The combination of bamboo and cement for structures shows promise for the housing industry and reducing homelessness in Nepal. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Hilti Foundation are working diligently to make this a reality. Signs of increasing bamboo-cement structures indicate a hopeful future for housing in Nepal. If these structures become common, it would be a significant step toward combating homelessness. It could minimize the loss of structures in disasters such as earthquakes and provide new housing options for those without access.
– Drew Allen
Drew is based in Wilmington, DE, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons