'Houses built of sand' not as idiotic as one would think according to
the Catherine Bullen Foundation who with their ngo partner, The Komeho
Namibia Development Agency are pioneering an innovative and
environmentally friendly method of construction in Namibia.
Known as 'Ecobuild' it utilises tightly packed sand bags instead of bricks which
in-fill a timber framework. The inner and outer walls are then lined
with cement over a wire mesh to form solid walls.
Originating from South Africa, Ecoconstruction, the company responsible,
has built a number of buildings using this method. However, the
Foundation has scored a first in Namibia with this type of construction
with the building of its latest project, a kitchen for the Omuhaturua
Primary School Hostel in the Omaheke region which started in mid May.
Roger Bullen, Foundation Trustee commented 'we are very enthusiastic
about this method of construction. The sand bags are being filled by
women from the village who are paid for their work and this puts money
back into the local economy.'
Jason Kasuto, Ecoconstruction's Namibian
representative reported to the Foundation, 'the women were very excited
to have contributed to the development of their community while also
being remunerated.
In fact what was very interesting to see in terms of
the bag filling activity was how entire families came to assist their
mothers in bag filling, it brought about a sense of ownership, in
addition each family was very protective of their set of bags filled.
Ms Magdalena Koveka held the record for filling the most bags, a total of 1,550!'
The Foundation is also providing a paved shaded area with furniture for the pupils to sit and eat their meals in comfort.
Currently the meals are cooked on outside fires with the children squatting on the ground to consume them amongst domestic and farm animals that roam around the pots which is far from hygienic.
It is planned to officially open the canteen and kitchen in October 2011. |
