Local Man Ventures Into Wooden Houses

BABOKI KAYAWE
Staff Writer | Monday August 9, 2010 00:00

Forty-three year-old Sethunya Phokoje has embarked on construction of log or wooden house manufacturing, as a lucrative business which is less costly for many people feeling the pinch of the economic hardships.

Though locals have shown an interest in wooden houses, more popular in Western societies, Phokoje said they are sceptical of their durability and the risk of fire.

'Just like brick houses, wooden houses can also last depending on how well they are maintained,' he maintains.

Phokoje emphasised that though a brick house can resist damage from windstorms, and is more durable than wood; with the right safety measures wood can equally have the same durability. Some of the measures he cites include suspending the house from the ground to avoid flooding, treating the poles used to prevent rodents and dangerous reptiles such as snakes from entering the house. In addition, he said the wood is treated with chemicals to prevent creatures that feed on wood from destroying the house. 

'We also use special paint that is water proof,' he said.  Another important aspect of a wooden house he said, is that wood acts as an insulator and is not affected by extreme external temperatures, meaning that the house has a moderate temperature.

Though it is difficult to break certain practices and customs, Phokoje said demand for these houses has grown in recent years.  Trading under the name Legong Wooden Houses, the recently registered company, has sold close to 40 houses in its six years of existence. Phokoje cites lack of operational capital and delays in payment for the company's late registration. 

Prices for low cost houses start at P5,500 for the smallest house, with an unsuspended bedroom (and an additional P2,000 if suspended above the ground). The biggest house the entrepreneur constructs costs P80,000 and consists of three bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen and bathroom. 

Phokoje is also quick to point out that in the era of global warming, which has brought about drastic climate changes, it is advisable for safety reasons for the nation to start investing in wooden houses.

'Unlike brick made structures, the wooden house would not cause major casualties if it falls on somebody if an earthquake, or any other natural disaster occurs,' he said.  Phokoje has worked for 13 years at Nata Timber. He has also practiced carpentry and trained in that field for two years at Madirelo Training and Testing Centre, a vocational centre.