Shelter for Hope · Costs
What it costs to fix a roof in Yangon
About S$300 repairs the roof of a vulnerable family’s home in Hlaing Thar Yar, and about S$300 more gives them a rainwater system. Here is where that money goes.
The breakdown
Where the money goes
S$300 is an estimate. The real cost depends on the size and condition of each house. Most of it goes on materials.
The roof
Zinc sheets, bamboo and timber replace leaking, rotting roofs, with extra reinforcement where the structure needs it to stay safe for years.
The rainwater system
Gutters, a 300 to 500 litre storage tank and simple sand and cloth filtration give the household water for washing, cleaning and showers. Most of the cost is the tank and pipes.
People
Labourers from the community are paid a pre-agreed rate of about S$60 per house. Two volunteers handle logistics and records, and receive about S$6 a day each for lunch and transport.
Rising prices
Why the next roofs may cost more
Annualised inflation in Myanmar was around 27% as of 30 September 2026, and roof sheet prices are up about 25%. Sheets and tanks for the first 200 roofs were bought early. For roofs 201 to 300, we are sourcing from other suppliers to keep costs down.
Progress, October 2026
- Goal: 300 roofs and 100 water systems
- Funded: 243 roofs and all 100 water systems
- Still to fund: 57 roofs, about S$17,100
Fund a roof