The Cost of Returning to Khartoum

Rashid Abdelrahim

A few days ago, I shared Dr. Mamoun Abu Shaiba’s impressions of Khartoum, which he visited to inspect his home and immediately begin repairs. Today, I leave you with his account, following the positive reception and discussion his remarks about Khartoum generated. This time, he outlines the cost of renovating and repairing his apartment.

“I wanted to share my experience with my brothers and sisters after visiting Sudan two weeks ago. I wanted to give an account of the expenses I incurred repairing my apartment in Khartoum, in the hope that this might serve as a roadmap for others who wish to return.

First, there are four things to consider when returning to Sudan, some of which are essential:

1. Security: Security is fully restored throughout Khartoum. I encountered no danger while moving around anywhere in the city. Even thieves seem to have disappeared.

2. Home or apartment repairs: I will discuss this in detail, hoping to give those wishing to return and repair their homes or apartments a clearer idea of the costs involved.

3. Electricity: Power cuts last approximately six to eight hours a day. Installing a solar power system makes daily life almost completely normal.

4. A car: Public transportation is extremely difficult to use, particularly given the recent shortage of petrol. I hope this situation will be temporary.

There are no ride-hailing services such as Uber, so the solution is to repair older cars, a subject I will discuss in greater detail.

Repairs

My apartment consists of three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room.

The cost of repairing this apartment—which can be compared with that of a larger house—was as follows. I tried as much as possible to express the costs in US dollars because of fluctuations in the exchange rate, although the expenses remain fixed in dollar terms. Two weeks ago, the US dollar was worth approximately 8,000 Sudanese pounds.

Repair Costs

1. Cleaning supplies and labor: 800,000 Sudanese pounds — approximately $100.
2. Plumbing materials and labor: 1,500,000 Sudanese pounds — approximately $190.
3. Electrical materials and labor: 1,500,000 Sudanese pounds — approximately $190.
4. Materials for repairing five interior doors and one exterior Turkish door: 830,000 Sudanese pounds — approximately $105.
5. Three ceiling fans: 125,000 Sudanese pounds each.

   3 × 125,000 = 375,000 Sudanese pounds — approximately $50.

6. One toilet seat: 350,000 Sudanese pounds — approximately $50.
7. Painting:
   • One bucket of silk-finish paint: 95,000 Sudanese pounds — approximately $12.
   • One bucket of primer: 470,000 Sudanese pounds — approximately $60.
   • Three buckets of Kemiplas paint: 600,000 Sudanese pounds — approximately $75.

Total repair costs: $842.

Other Expenses

• Solar power system: $2,200.
• Car repairs: $3,000 to repair a small Hyundai i10/Morning.
• Apartment furniture: $2,700, to be purchased in Damietta, Egypt.
• 12-cubic-foot refrigerator (purchased in Sudan): $350.
• LG washing machine, 8 kg: $560.
• Gas cooker (four burners and an oven): $340.
• Electric kettle: $7.
• Blender: $35.
• Portable evaporative air cooler: $250.

Summary of Costs

• Repairs only: $832.
• Refrigerator and other appliances: $1,600.
• Solar power system: $2,200. This is sufficient to run four fans, lights, a refrigerator, and a portable evaporative air cooler.
• Apartment furniture (from Egypt): $2,700.
• Small car repairs: $3,000.

Grand Total: $10,332