Visit to VRTI/Ajrakhpur on 08 Apr ’02

Report by Priti Patil

Highlights

Met with:

Dr. M. V. Kanzaria, Director – VRTI;       
Kishor Bhadra, Project Co-ordinator - Workshed Project;
Iqbalbhai, Engineer – Workshed Project (from Baroda); 
Abdul Kadar, Overseer – Workshed Project

·        VRTI proposed a desigh with Mud blocks,

·        Leaders of artisan community, Ismailbhai and Anvarbhai requested CC blocks

·        In total, VRTI would be funding building 112 worksheds in Ajrakhpur and surrounding villages

·        VRTI has received the first installment of VIDE grant for this project

·        VIDE is not the only funding NPO for this project, there are 5 others

·        Homes for the artisans have been funded by “JAMIYAT” organization

·        Land and Building permits for Ajrakhpur are acquired.  Plan and plots are finalized.

·        Temporary water tanks and few temporary worksheds have been built so that the artisans can start work

·        Digging for foundation has completed, building would have started in May 2002

·        Water for construction is provided by the govt funded Boring well

·        Goal is to finish the workshed building in approx 5 to 6 months

·        Progress is satisfactory.

Project Status 

The Masonry work of 40 worksheds at Dhamadka and nearby villages has been started. The inquiries of Door/ Windows and shutters have been under process. The approximate plan is that the complete work of 40 sheds will be finished up to July end. The labor work has been distributed among local persons.

At Ajarakhpur, 73 units have been completed up to plinth level and contract of the labor work has been signed with two( 35+38) different contractors.  Cement Block Factory at Ajarakhpur has been started from 31.3.2002. The 73 units of ajarakhpur are likely to be completed up to August 15, 2002.

Temporary worksheds have been built, so that the artisans can start working.  Four(4) open community water tanks have been built and are operational for washing of the finished Ajrakh materials.  Water for these tanks come from the bore well.

There are no major roadblocks now and the work is in progress.   Worksheds at Budharmora are completed and are being used.  For timely completion of the work at Ajrakhpur, we suggested to add “a penalty clause for delay and bonus for early completion” in the contract with contractors

Summary

Overall, we commend following:

• Timely progress of the project
• VRTI’s attention to details
• Importance to the satisfaction of beneficiaries (Artisans)
• Involvement of local people
• Redundancy measures (Two contractors for block making)
• Strength through co-ordination with Government and other NPOs
• Regular progress reports / communications