Mjengo Update

It has been approximately 7 months since I revived my ka-mjengo pale Kilifi mashambani. In the spirit of a true Kenyan mwanainchi, I add on building tasks subject to availability of funds. This ka-mjengo has been coming up pole-pole for the last two years during which time I have withered , dried out prematurely greyed with irregular heart beats. Covid-19 and its family of lockdowns, curfews and social distancing stopped progress for 7months. Beginning August last year, as if from scratch, once again I had to assemble a labour force and source building materials and start off from where I left. I still have the same, same main fundi with whom I have gone through emotions of like, tolerate, dislike, tolerate again and like again. This is what has happened in the last 7 months.
[ul]
[li]Interior and exterior plastering done[/li][li]Rain water harvest underground tank done[/li][li]Bio-digester construction done[/li][li]Fresh water underground tank done[/li][li]Power and waterlines connection to the house done[/li][li]Roof top fresh water storage tanks installation done[/li][li]2/4 toilets already installed[/li][/ul]
The building is 60% done. A glass of water for each one of you is now available. There is however, still a lot of big ticket phases of the construction that I need to accomplish. The big price tag tasks yet to be done are windows, n doors, window and door grills, tiling, interior walls skimming, gypsum ceiling, painting, electrical, railings and landscaping. If you happen to know a world class expert for any of the remaining tasks, please let me know.
Lessons learned in the last 7 months.
[ul]
[li]Don’t be friendly to fundis or labourers as that will be used against you—mainly to shake you down for every penny.[/li][li]Don’t let your guard down and trust too much of your fundi s or labours, that’s when they go for the final kill.[/li][li]Don’t give any of the above financial advances for materials or services not yet delivered…usually that is pretext of a short-sighted petty thief getting as much as possible from you before they disappear into thin air.[/li][li]When it small fittings like valves, connector, switch board, locks etc. buy them yourself if you care about quality.[/li][li]Best hardware stores so far with honest prices and good customer service: TACC, DTC tiles, CTM and Aluken Kenya Ltd.[/li][/ul]
Lastly, I must a big thank you to all of you resourceful villagers who have been great with your ideas, suggestions, shared experiences, humor and pointing me to the right direction. Building in Kenya is not for the faint hearted. I will keep sharing through this journey as I float on a worn out raft in the high seas of shark infested open sea.

Thermal

Summarize with pics

Picha iko wapi bratha

I had attached pictures the very first time but it failed. Take 2 was the charm. I now have pictures attached.

show us the house structure might end up paying for it ,starting one this April just deciding on final look and feel

How much is piece of 50 x100 in that location?
Naona bahari kwa umbali

Beautiful location…congratulations men!

Coconut trees inasafisha macho

Nikiskia hufai kujenga mashinani. Bomoa hiyo nyumba uanze biashara

Good stuff. Keep the updates coming.

Kitu iko freshii. Keep on, it’s a journey not a destination.

Great location unlike the madness of Nairobi.

Ps: Gypsum ceiling is a fashion fad. I would forego bit. It’s not my house though!

I

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