Flexible Design and Construction Strategies for Self-Help Housing in Botswana

Type Journal Article - The Open Construction and Building Technology Journal
Title Flexible Design and Construction Strategies for Self-Help Housing in Botswana
Author(s)
Volume 10
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2016
Page numbers 381-394
URL https://benthamopen.com/contents/pdf/TOBCTJ/TOBCTJ-10-381.pdf
Abstract
In an effort to coordinate the housing schemes from different departments, Government of the Republic of Botswana took
a decision to establish Single Housing Authority (SiHA) through a Presidential Cabinet Directive CAB20 (B) 2010 in July 2010.
Previously, these schemes were designed and built by the local councils, with the help of the local builders and house owners. A
review of the architect designed and contractor-led housing projects under this scheme, demonstrate the shortcomings of a
standardized housing design approach and the need to develop a flexible design strategies that can respond to the inevitable changes
associated with low-income housing. A qualitative case study research of Self-Help Housing Agency (SHHA)’s built houses was
conducted in Mochudi (Botswana) to explore potential strategies of improving the current self-help housing design processes. Using
case study examples from Mochudi, a systematic and flexible design framework is suggested as an economically viable approach to
improve the quality of self-help housing design processes that reduce costly changes which are associated with the current
government-funded housing schemes.

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