A Home to Call Thier Own

 

Life wasn't heading in any direction for Umesh Kumar and Kirtika Devi without a proper roof over their heads. It has been a lifelong dream for this 38-year old sugarcane farmer to have his own home — a dream he thought would nevr be fulfilled. 

 

Umesh of Volivoli Settlement in Rakiraki is now a first homeowner of a Habitat cyclone resilient house supported by Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) and the Australian Government. "I never thought I was going to own a house. I have been living with my parents and relatives all my life and always wanted a space for my family," he said. "I am a canecutter and I don't earn enough to build a house of my own. It is already hard to make ends meet so saving for a house was really tough for me," Umesh said.

 

His wife Kirtika Devi, 28, said it was a true blessing for her family as women of the house are often in charge of the overall running of the house. As a housewife, she has many responsibilities from looking after their eight-year-old daughter Riyansha, preparing her for school to preparing food and domestic chores. "I am just happy to have a space of our own and we get to live in such a strong house. We never had a place we could call home. Now we do," she said with deep warmth and happiness.

 

Kirtika can't wait to start organising their new house and spend her first day at a place she can finally call home. The excited couple never left the Habitat construction team's side during the building phase as they were happy to help out in every small way. The delight on the couple's face said it all as they held on to each other and watched the house being completed by Habitat carpenters. The four-day build was completed last week. Umesh is now looking forward to a positive future.

 

"Having a house is a big encouragement for me to do so many other things in life now. I don't feel helpless anymore and this is a good start for me. "It is going to change our lives for the better now. My wife is already pushing me to save something to build a good kitchen," said the seasonal canecutter with a big laugh.