Syed Mohammad Ali
-Excerpt-
Recently, there has been evidence of some innovative thinking on the ground. The Aga Khan Development Network and the First Micro Finance Bank of Pakistan have designed some innovative programmes to provide needs-based housing finance for both structural (for seismic-resistant construction for instance) and non-structural improvements to the houses of poor people.
For non-structural improvements, these programmes are trying to provide a range of products and services, including the installation of fuel-efficient stoves, ventilation and insulation systems. Products like smoke-free stoves can reduce domestic biomass needs by over 50 percent while also helping to reduce acute respiratory infections due to smoke and cold. Other products being designed with similar objectives, like roof hatches, can improve light and ventilation. Water warming systems ease domestic chores primarily done by women, while saving fuel and reducing exposure to cold temperatures. Floor insulation warms up traditional house floors and allows for more comfortable sitting and sleeping, especially in mountainous regions. These housing finance programmes are going to be piloted in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral during the current year, and can later be launched in other areas in the future.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=20103\23\story_23-3-2010_pg3_3
Ismailimail 