iShack - high-tech tent for slums

From a distance, it was a shiny tent. As it approached, a solar-powered roof made the tent stand out from the wooden and rust-iron temporary housing structures.

Called iShack, the tent developed by experts at Stellenbosch University (South Africa) is designed to help improve the living standards of slum-dwellers, while also improving their accessibility. people come to energy sources and protect them from the sultry weather of the environment in an environmentally friendly way.

IShack model is being applied in Enkanini area, South Africa

The prototype iShack is equipped with a photovoltaic battery capable of producing power for three light bulbs, a mobile phone charger and an outdoor floodlight. IShack windows are smartly designed to better circulate the air and heat of sunlight while the roof is designed with moderate slope to keep rainwater in the months. east. Recycled cardboard boxes are used to insulate between the external zinc surface and the interior. In addition, iShack is covered with a fireproof coating to reduce the risk of fire. Inside the tent, a tile floor was installed firmly to counteract the temperature change.

According to the United Nations Human Settlement Program, 62% of the urban population of sub-Saharan African countries live in unsafe slums, lack of energy and sanitation infrastructure. and water sources. In Africa, thousands of informal settlements have sprung up in recent decades. In response to pressing housing problems, regional governments have focused on upgrading existing settlements and providing more services. However, iShack developers say residents in slums have to wait many years before they can access the electricity-water network and cheap apartments. Because of this, iShack was born to serve poor residents. IShack project developers say the community can access this cost-effective solution in the short term.

Excluding solar energy systems, iShack costs about 660 USD. Next year, the iShack project will be tested. 100 tents will be built or equipped with new features. As this project grows, people will be able to buy energy at affordable prices. This will help them earn a living as well as pay for energy for iShack.