For most people, these one-room houses would be nothing to write home about. But for the 300-odd families who have been living in makeshift sheds at Chunara Vaas ever since the riots one-and-a-half years ago, it’s a dream come true.‘‘Most of the houses in our area were either badly burnt or damaged in the riots. We had nowhere to go, so we stuck on in our damaged homes,’’ says Pradeepbhai Devipujak.There are about 394 houses here, all owned by Devipujaks. Of these, 310 were badly damaged and are being rebuilt. Most of those who live here are daily wage labourers or vegetable vendors, while a few deal in scrap metal. ‘‘The NGOs provided us with tin sheds last year during the monsoon. But this year, the condition of our houses worsened. That is when the workers of St Xavier’s Social Service, Kamdar Suraksha Mandal, Action Aid and Islamic Relief Committee came to our help,’’ said Govidbhai.While the other NGOs helped by providing raw material, the Islamic Relief Committee constructed the one-room houses for the families. The NGOs have spent about Rs 40 lakh on the rehabilitation. Since construction is on, residents are managing by sharing the houses where work is complete.Says Karsanbhai, ‘‘We are really looking forward to the construction getting over. As labourers, we could never have dreamt of pucca houses but now, we are fortunate enough to have someone helping us.’’Mirza Ikrambeg, in-charge of the construction and member of the Islamic Relief Committee, says construction will be over by the end of this month. ‘‘Work started on May 5 and we hope to complete it in the next 15-18 days,’’ he added.
