Letter
Public response
Costs of modernisation
D+C/E+Z 2013/06, p. 254 f., Benjamin D. Ofori and Jesse S. Ayivor: Crumbling structures
The acute shortage of housing in Ghana and other developing countries is the price we pay for modernisation. Building materials used in the past were cheap and easily obtained in the surroundings. We were made to believe that these materials were not durable and also archaic. As the article reveals mud houses can be long lasting when properly maintained.
Given that governments are unable to provide enough housing units for citizens at affordable prices, individuals in need should rather fill in the gap at costs cheaper than what private-estate developers can offer. City dwellers could build houses in rural areas with cheap but durable materials. They can then retire into homes in the relatively pollution-free countryside.
I suggest using a combination of local and modern materials to reduce the cost of building. Cement mixed with mud will definitely be more durable than mud alone and cheaper than entirely using cement. Experts will determine the ratios.
An attempt was made in the past to address the problem of settlement erosion in Ghana by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s land and water management
project, but the focus was narrowed to farming communities and the implementers were more concerned with farm productivity. The policy impact was not widespread. As clearly stated in the article, the general problem is poor maintenance. We need to develop a maintenance culture.
Gabriel Adukpo, Koforidua, Ghana
gyaduk@gmail.com