Dominican Republic

Context at a glance

The most recent official studies (1997) estimate the housing deficit in the Dominican Republic at 600,000 units. 55 percent of this deficit is caused by substandard, inadequate homes.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Georges worsened the problem. The National Housing Institute revealed that at least 49,000 houses were totally destroyed and 121,000 others were damaged and in need of repair.

In the countryside, most of the houses are made of "tejamanil" (a soil and manure mixture). Others are made of wood or even empty oil drums. Many of these houses have dirt floors, which are a health risk, due to the constant dust they create and the unwanted guests they attract like rodents and insects.

In many communities, water services, electric power, sewage systems and garbage disposal and collection are almost non-existent – especially in rural zones.

It becomes increasingly difficult for low-income families to acquire a decent, affordable house. Their monthly income is insufficient and bank loans are subject to very high interest rates. Land ownership is also a problem. While many families have built their homes and lived on the same land for years, they do not have the deeds to it, as often the land belongs to the state or private sector. The properties do not have access to basic utilities.

Habitat for Humanity programme

Habitat for Humanity's first 53 houses in the Dominican Republic were built in 1989, in Los Cocos in the Barahona province.

Currently, HFH houses are being built in seven areas: Barahona, Paraíso, Tamayo, Jaquimeyes, Tamayo, Nagua and San Juan de la Maguana. 1,340 homeowner families are already living happily in Habitat houses.

The type of house depends on the family's needs:

• 50 m² houses have a living-dining room, a kitchen, three bedrooms and a bathroom, with an average cost of RD $273,979 (approximately £3,700).
• 48 m² houses have a living-dining hall, a kitchen, three bedrooms and bathroom, with an average cost of RD $226,263 (approximately £3,000).
• 40 m² houses have a living-dining room, a kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom, with an average cost of RD $211,139 (approximately £2,900).
• 36 m² houses have a living-dining room, a kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom, with an average cost of RD $206,338 (approximately £2,800).

The house loans are repaid in 10 to 15 years, with an average monthly payment of RD$1,000, which is much more economical than the cost of renting poor quality living quarters.

Concrete blocks, cement, iron rods, sand and gravel are used. These materials are weather-resistant, in order to withstand annual hurricane threats from July to November. They can be easily purchased in the country, although at a relatively high price.

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