EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Social housing building in Nusfalãu

Social housing building in Nusfalãu - Romania

Introduction

A project in Nusfalãu that constructed social housing with local workforce for Roma families in the area.

Problem

The majority of the Roma inhabitants work on a seasonal basis for other members of the local population (Hungarians and Romanians) and their wages are insufficient for families with many children (which is the case in most of the households). The houses are generally one-room types, inherited from three generations, determining overcrowding and unsanitary conditions.

The lack of jobs and a regular income, the reduced degree of education and of social assistance together with the results of the local elections has worsened the problems of the community and created discontent and tensions among the Roma population and the local authorities. The Land Fund Law was not applied to the Roma minority in Nusfalãu and no social support is provided because the local budget has no funds and / or because the Roma population does not contribute to it.

Description

The project was developed in Nusfalãu, in North Western Transylvania. It is located 110 km from Cluj-Napoca, the biggest urban centre of the region.

The Roma community in Nusfalãu lives at the periphery of the town and is concentrated in three residential districts: Brazilia (325 Roma households), Bacos (66 Roma households) and Gãrii (26 Roma households), in the railway station neighbourhood.

The project developed by “Impreuna” Agency for the Roma community of Nusfalãu aimed to increase the capability on local financial structure and generate a new one, on social housing construction. The project aimed to construct 10 social houses with local workforce and locally made bricks.

Approach

The following measures were carried out during the project:

Building of a the Community Centre, aimed to provide an appropriate shelter to large groups of beneficiaries and activities (i.e. pre-primary education, vocational activities, health education, cultural events, social reinsertion discussions)
Construction of 10 social houses in Brazilia area. The project was completed at the end of 1999. The owner of the social houses is the Local Roma Association.

The Roma NGO sector participated with experts in these programs but also as an independent driving force, by identifying, supporting and promoting this type of project, providing training and knowledge for Roma communities in need.

The project was developed by “Impreuna” Agency.

Results

Despite the small number of houses against the huge demand and necessity, this project was the first one with a nationally accepted recognition.

Among its outcomes, the most important ones are:

Support and participation of the Roma community (through the association but also through individuals);
Creation of about 100 local workplaces for Roma people and establishment of a local business (for production of bricks for housing);
Introduction of own contribution (money) and participation (work);
Affordability for houses for poor member of the community; raising the self-esteem of Roma people and the possibility of continuation without external support.

The Nusfalãu social housing project represents a role model of participation and results. Subsequently a number of relatively similar developments were replicated in other localities, such as Deva, Hunedoara County, Traianu, Ialomita County, Cetate, and Bistrita County.

Financing

The financial support provided by the MATRA program of the Netherlands was decisive in the project start.

Project start date

01/05/1999

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Keywords

Ethnic minorities