In 2020, UNHCR provided shelters for vulnerable families using a participatory approach and local construction techniques. This was done through building materials provision, shelter structure construction (superstructure) and a cash transfer to families to continue shelter finalization (straw, plaster, etc.). Refugees and other stakeholders such as local authorities and host communities, were involved in shelter design and implementation. In addition to shelters, host villages benefited from rehabilitation of community infrastructure such as schools, health centers and roads. Other activities implemented included:
- Rehabilitation of cash distribution centre infrastructure in Meri site. Construction of 2 hangars and a fence to mark out site in compliance with barrier measures against COVID-19).
- 2 refugee housing units were constructed and rehabilitated for CNR offices in Meri site.
- 2 Hangars at Meri Transit Centre constructed. 20 refugee housing units for the COVID-19 quarantine centre constructed and rehabilitated, including 12 at the General hospital and 8 at CS Nyalanya in Aba.
- 600 metres of road to Meri site were rehabilitated.
- One bridge providing access to the partner’s common office rehabilitated, 4 way stations (Kiliwa, Zambaleke, Niari and Dubai) and 6 transit centers (Duru, Dungu, Faradje, Bele, Aru and Biringi) were maintained in Dungu, Faradje and Aru territories.
Rehabilitation of 1 hangar used for distribution at the Bele site.
With regards to transitional shelters construction through a cash-based approach: 600 out of 600 planned shelters were constructed in Bele; 600 out of 600 planned toolkits were purchased and distributed. 521 households out of 600 planned were provided with toolkits for shelter construction in Bele (79 shelters unoccupied due to the lack of beneficiaries relocated); 498 households out of 500 planned benefited from monetary assistance of $50 each to complete their shelters. 18 shelters were rehabilitated in Biringi site for relocated people of concern from Aru transit centre to Biringi. One maternity ward was constructed in Bele health center. A bridge on Nyari-Bele axis was constructed, as well as 32.5 km of road on the Nyari-Bele axis rehabilitated. In addition, 38 hectares were developed for construction of 600 shelters in 600 plots. Finally, a total of 2 km of internal tracks were cleared to facilitate access between shelters, community infrastructure and different blocks in the site.