Nsaka 2

An nsaka is a meeting place for Zambians in the bush. If you take a drive outside of Lusaka you will see these perched on hills. We had an nsaka at our other house and totally enjoyed sitting under it in the evenings. 

When we moved to the Twin Palm house there was already an nsaka, but in great disrepair. Some thatch became available so we decided it was time to remodel.  

To prepare the structure Tracy and I had to replace one of the beams. After painting the timber with discarded motor oil to ward off termites, we measured and cut the beam and nailed it in place. Tracy also had to spray the nsaka with insecticide to further discourage the termites.

Mr. Sibanda built our other nsaka from scratch~all he has to do on this one is redo the thatch, a definite savings. I told him this morning that I couldn't remember if he began at the top or bottom when building. He said that with the thatch on the other nsaka he began at the top. On this one, since there is chicken wire that forms the first layer, he could begin at the bottom.

In the third photo, Sibanda is combing the thatch with a wooden plane-like tool. He also uses the tool to even the edges of the thatching. 

He will probably finish the nsaka sometime tomorrow. Once the thatch is up Sibanda will crown the top with a hat of thatch. When it's completed, things will definitely look better in the backyard.

Right now the nsaka serves as a storage area for outdoor supplies. Our yard worker Charles sometimes sits under it to get out of the rain or do small jobs. Once the thatch is completed, he will have a much nicer place to rest.