Lumanti’s first Reall-funded project, this scheme was designed to upgrade five squatter settlements located in Kohalpur and Rajhena. These residents previously lived in housing which caused multiple threats to their health and security, as well as a lack of access to basic services such as water. They are now able to access water, sanitation and energy, services which are often restricted within squatter communities because they are deemed illegal settlements.

Funds were provided to Basobas Mahila Savings and Credit Cooperative, who then on-lent funds to clients for the construction of their new homes. The Cooperative is managed by the women of the community and is responsible for collecting client repayments and making scheduled repayments back to Lumanti. Currently 100% of the loans have been repaid by the clients. Lumanti was responsible for supervising the overall construction work. All repayments are revolved into new projects by Lumanti.

This project was intended to set a precedent, encouraging large scale and long-term entry of formal finance institutions into informal settlement upgradation.