PeaceBuilding And Livelihood Restoration Initiative-PALRI

FIELD MONITORING REPORT ON MUD-BRICKS SHELTER
Date: May 22, 2025
Location: Kukareta, Yobe State.
Conducted by: PALRI and care-Aid
Project Overview
PALRI and care-Aid carried out a field monitoring visit to Kukareta to assess the progress of the mud brick shelter construction project ongoing. The initiative aims to provide durable housing for the community, ensuring safe and stable living conditions.
Progress Report
Completed Shelters: Sixty (60) shelters have been fully constructed, equipped with doors and windows, and are ready for occupancy.
Pending Shelters: Two shelters remain incomplete due to a shortage of molded bricks and ongoing water scarcity in the town, lack of sand on site, which is hampering construction efforts.
Challenges Identified
Material Shortages: The unavailability of moulded bricks and sand for molding, has led to delays in completing the two pending shelters and more.
Water Scarcity: Limited access to water has further hindered construction activities, affecting the brick-moulding process.
Weather-Related Risks: The onset of the rainy season poses a significant threat to building materials such as cement and timber, increasing the risk of deterioration and reduced durability of the shelters.
Recommendations & Action Points
Securing Materials: Immediate efforts should be made to procure additional sand for moulding bricks and ensure their availability to resume construction.
Water Supply Solutions: Exploring alternative water sources or temporary solutions, such as water delivery services, could mitigate delays caused by scarcity.
Preventive Measures Against Weather Damage: Protective coverings and storage solutions should be implemented to prevent exposure to rain and minimize deterioration of key materials like timber and cement.
Conclusion
While substantial progress has been achieved with sixty (60) completed shelters, addressing the challenges related to material shortages, water scarcity, and seasonal weather impacts is crucial to ensure timely completion of the remaining structures. Proactive measures should be taken to safeguard materials and enhance efficiency in the construction process.

Update of setting mud bricks shelter at Kukareta

Date: 25th April 2025
Location: Kukareta, Yobe State
Organizations Involved: PALRI, care-Aid and YOSEMA

Objective:
To set out and commence construction of mud-brick prototype shelters for beneficiaries in Kukareta as part of the humanitarian shelter response.

Summary of Activities:
PALRI, care-Aid and YOSEMA jointly undertook the setting out of mud-brick shelters at Kukareta, Yobe State.
The key activities accomplished were:
• Setting out of fifty (50) blocks of 2-room shelters with verandahs.
• Excavation and digging of foundations for the five blocks.
• Ongoing work on the foundation footing and substructure for the prototype shelters.

Progress:
• The setting out was completed successfully, ensuring alignment and correct spacing according to project specifications.
• Foundation trenches were dug for all fifty blocks.
• Foundation footings are currently being laid, and substructure work is ongoing.
Challenges Encountered:
• Lack of Available Masons: There was a shortage of skilled masons on site, primarily due to the payment arrangement (payment after work), which deterred many from participating.
• Technical Skills Gap Among Beneficiaries: The intended beneficiaries, while enthusiastic, lacked the technical knowledge and skills required to properly lay mud bricks and blocks, thereby slowing down construction progress.

Recommendations:
• Immediate Recruitment of Skilled Masons: Consider adjusting the payment terms (e.g., partial advance payments) to attract skilled laborers to the project site.
• Training Sessions for Beneficiaries: Organize basic training workshops to equip beneficiaries with essential bricklaying skills to enable them to participate more actively in the construction process.

Conclusion:
Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made toward the establishment of the mud-brick shelters. With the resolution of labor shortages and capacity building for beneficiaries, construction activities are expected to proceed more efficiently.

TRAINING SESSION ON COMPRESSED STABILISED EARTH BRICKS (CSEB)
• Date: 3rd April 2025
• Venue: Molding Site, Kukareta
Participants
The training session was attended by the following individuals:
• 3 representatives from PARLI
• The District Head

*Introduction*
On the 3rd of April 2025, PALRI conducted a training session for the Kukareta community on Compressed Stabilised Earth Bricks (CSEB). The objective of the training was to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to the construction of CSEB bricks.

Training Overview
The training session was divided into two main segments:
• Theoretical Session: Participants were introduced to the principles of CSEB, including materials selection, preparation, advantages, and environmental benefits.
• Practical Session: A hands-on demonstration was conducted on-site, where participants engaged in the actual molding process of CSEB bricks.
Venue
The session was held at the molding site in Kukareta, allowing participants to have a direct experience with the materials and equipment used in CSEB brick production.

Challenges Faced
During the training session, several challenges were encountered, including:
• Lack of a Rammer: The absence of a proper rammer for compacting the soil affected the efficiency of brick production.
• Shortage of Seiving Net: A limited supply of seiving nets hindered the sieving process, slowing down material preparation.
• Shortage of Membrane Sheet: Due to the large production of bricks, the available membrane sheets were insufficient, wereby affecting the drying and curing process.
• Cement Damage Due to Solar Radiation: A long-term delay resulted in more than 5 bags of cement being damaged by prolonged exposure to solar radiation, leading to material wastage and increased costs.
Conclusion
The training successfully imparted both theoretical and practical knowledge on CSEB bricks. The engagement of multiple stakeholders, including PALRI, and the local leadership, demonstrated a collective commitment to sustainable and cost-effective building techniques. The participants expressed appreciation for the session and showed enthusiasm for applying the acquired skills in future construction projects.

Recommendations
• Follow-up Training: A follow-up session should be conducted to assess the implementation of skills and address any challenges.
• Community Engagement: Further involvement of the local community in CSEB projects could enhance adoption and sustainability.
• Resource Allocation: Provision of necessary tools and resources, including rammers, serving nets, and membrane sheets, to facilitate the production of CSEB bricks in Kukareta.
• Proper Cement Storage: Measures should be taken to store cement in a shaded, dry area to prevent damage from solar radiation and ensure material longevity.

Peacebuilding and Livelihood Restoration Initiative (PALRI) is currently recruiting for several positions to implement the Global Aid for Nutrition (GAIN) project. Here are the available positions:

Project Coordinator: This role involves providing overall coordination and management of PALRI's projects, including developing and implementing project work plans, budgets, and reports. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field, with at least 3 years of experience in project management.

MEAL Officer: The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing MEAL plans, conducting data analysis, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. A degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, or a related field is required, with at least 3 years of experience in MEAL.

Technical Field Staff: PALRI is also hiring technical field staff to support the implementation of the GAIN project. The specific roles and responsibilities will vary depending on the position.

If you're interested in applying for any of these positions, I recommend checking the PALRI website or contacting them directly for more information on the application process and requirements.