The Katale Plantation House

Katale is a plantation located in Kitembo Village, In South-Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. D.R. Congo was colonised by Belgium from 1908 to 1960 when the country got the independence. During these years, colonisers have been owning lands. Especially for agriculture purpose, living purpose and mining purpose. The house In Katale Plantation was built for living purpose with in a land owned for agriculture purpose.

The house was completed in 1959. The processes of construction and the materials used were considered as as innovative way of building, since the local community were building their houses with mud and straw. Primarily these houses were huts.

The foundation and walls of the house was built with stone which were found around the plantation. The mortar was a mixture of sand and cement brought from Bukavu, a city that was the provincial capital of the Kivu (North-Kivu, South-Kivu and Maniema. All the 3 provinces were one at that time). The roof frame was constructed with wood, the ceiling is is wooden, and the guardrail is wooden. The interior finishing was done by raw plaster, and the flooring is done by flat stone. Windows were completely wooden but the actual occupants have added a metallic structure on windows for security purposes.

The foundation was given a considerable hight since the house is very close to the lake and the water level varies according to different seasons. The house is surrounded by trees, used as shading devices. The house receives the humid wind from the lake.

We got a chance to visit and experience this monumental achievement on 19 August 2021. Our personal appreciation was the time the building has lasted and the state in which it is after all these years. But also the appreciation of materials used at that time.

By Hekima Badashonderana Elisée

elisee.hekima@stud.umu.ac.ug

+256704844316