Working with SHUMAS to build schools and health centres
How much does it cost?
Inevitably building costs vary a little from project to project because of the nature of the local terrain, the ability of the community to make significant contributions and the cost of transporting materials to the site. Construction has to work around the rainy season but, with climate change, this can be unpredictable. Rain has a devastating effect on the dirt roads and makes transportation of materials very difficult. It is hardly surprising that village schools have been so neglected for so long: good transport infrastructure does not exist in many parts of Cameroon and gainin access to remote communities is very difficult.
Our school and health centre buildings are light and airy, easy to keep clean and hygienic, so they help to improve the health of all who use them. The floors are concreted, walls are plastered and painted and a new roof, new doors and window grills are fitted, making the buildings durable and watertight. They are estimated to last 40+ years.
We keep the cost of our projects as low as possible in order to provide great value for money. A primary school project comprising 3 fully equipped classrooms, an office and a new latrine is currently around £25,000 and a secondary school project with the same facilities is approximately £35,000.
Costs for the health centre projects also vary but, in general, refurbishment costs approximately £7,500 and the cost of new basic equipment is around £4,000
Water projects are very variable, depending on the nature of the terrain and how much pipeline is required but, on average, the cost of a community gravity-feed water project would be £15,000. Wells cost approximately £5,500 and boreholes cost £8,860.