The Sunday Mail
Tanzania’s National Housing and Building Research Agency (NHBRA) is conducting research on the possibility of using bamboo poles for the manufacture of doors, window and roofing materials. The agency is also conducting studies on the construction of dome houses in some of the country’s regions as well as using soil to make doors.
The NHBRA director general, Dr Matiko Mturi, recently told Tanzanian media that the agency is still researching on various other new technology, adding that the study on bamboo may take up to three years.
“In that case, people will be required to invest in bamboo farming because they will be needed as low cost tools for manufacturing building materials,” he said.
“The idea here is to make sure that all local materials are utilised fully.
“The public will be informed on each and every step we make. We are looking forward to helping people to live in modern houses at a low cost.”
Dr Mturi said there has been an increase of shortage of houses over the years and the NHBRA thinks there is a need to come up with solutions through the construction of low cost houses.
He said in 1969, the shortage of houses in the country stood at 21 000 units; in 1974 the number grew to 25 000. He added that the 2012 census showed that Tanzania needed at least three million houses for its people.
“We are facing a big challenge. The shortage of houses has been increasing every year. NHBRA is aware of the situation and that is why we are carrying on with research so that we can come up with a solution to the challenge,” said Dr Mturi.
He added that the agency has been advising the public on how to use low cost building materials so that they manage to build more modern and stronger houses.
More so, he said, the agency has been engaged in researching on low cost building materials and many people have already benefitted from their studies.
“For the house, which would have cost for example $40 000, a person can build it at $20 000 only. And it is a very nice house and even more beautiful than others in town,” he said.
Dr Mturi said the adoption of low cost technology in house construction will also provide jobs for the youth. — Tanzania Daily News/ Extra Reporter.
