Republic Hostel and Mess, Sayan, Surat
SSF’s first pilot project, a workers’ hostel for single male migrants working in the powerloom industry, was launched in October 2023 in partnership with Aajeevika Bureau Trust and Pravasi Shramik Suraksha Manch. The hostel is designed to provide good quality accommodation and food to 160 workers while also catering as a mess to another 250 workers.
What we did
SSF has retrofitted part of a large mixed-use building owned by a local landlord into a workers’ hostel. Facilities include:
- three dormitory halls with bunk-beds and individual storage lockers
- well-maintained and ventilated sanitation block for each dormitory hall
- a mess that provides two meals a day
- a dining area which doubles up as a TV room and space for communal activities
- filtered cold drinking water
- security and fire safety measures
- daily operations and management by a team of two facility managers
“I come back from work, eat well and sleep in peace. Just like my village home, living here is convenient, especially after a 12 hour long work shift.”
Mangulu, 50 years. Has been living in Republic Hostel and Mess since 6 months
“I like everything here. Our belongings are safe here. I like that. I never had my own locker in the previous housing.”
Litu, 42 years. Has been living in Republic Hostel and Mess since 8 months
A Few Glimpses of the Republic Hostel and Mess
Our Partners in the Project
Worksite Housing for Construction Workers
SSF has initiated a program to create worksite housing for construction workers in Ahmedabad. Through Aajeevika Bureau’s network with developers, we have partnered with the Mount Group developers to design and install prototypes of worker housing at their construction site. The prototype has been designed with the involvement of students of architecture from the School of Environment and Architecture (SEA), Mumbai.
What we did
In close partnership with the developer, SEA Mumbai, Aajeevika Bureau and Co-Solve/SKF, SSF is currently implementing a prototype design solution for worksite housing. Facilities include:
- two (2) housing units with provisions for natural light, ventilation and security
- an integrated external plinth that includes seating and washing platforms
- adequate alley-level drainage for grey water
- a private and exclusive space for women near their toilet, called a ‘social tower’ with space for small activities and meeting
Our Partners in the Project
