Housing experts push for use of sawdust, bamboo above cement, sand

Experts and stakeholders in the building sector have advanced the need for the country to embrace alternative housing technologies like the use of sawdust, bamboo as against orthodox building materials like cement, blocks and sand.

Converged on the University of Ibadan for the fourth International Housing and Construction Fair, the building stakeholders held that the nation will meet global housing standards by exploring eco-friendly, green and smart building technologies.

Particularly pointing to the increasing cost of cement, sand and blocks, the stakeholders noted that such new housing technologies were not only cheaper but also climate-friendly.

Noting that there was a huge housing deficit in Nigeria, the stakeholders noted the imperativeness of low-cost housing to bridge the gap between sustainable and affordable housing.

Setting the tone for the event, the convener of the fair, Rotimi Shodimu spoke about the cement bamboo technology of Asia where treated bamboo and plastered cement is used to build houses.

Shodimu said: “We are looking at how we can metamorphose from the orthodox building materials that are making the price of housing expensive. We are exploring other technologies like sawdust, bamboo, containers and it is working.

“There is the Asian revolution where they are exploring alternative building materials.

“There is cement bamboo technology, which is a technology that has not been explored.

“We had a sample of cement bamboo technology in Ibadan and it was highly successful and we are looking at replicating those houses and it is what Nigerians can benefit from and become homeowners in the near future.

“It is housing technology using a treated bamboo plastered cement. So, the superstructure is treated bamboo. It is a cheaper option. With the kind of collaboration we are putting in place, if the government can support us, we can have a three-bedroom for N3 million or less with that technology. We have built one in Olorunda, Ibadan.

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“In France, grass is being used as the roof of buildings. We need to inculcate eco-friendly building materials into housing construction.”

Delivering her message at the event, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan also solicited public/private partnership to provide housing that is decent, safe, comfortable, affordable, green and smart.

To provide lowcost, sustainable housing and bridge the housing deficit in the country, Yemi-Esan, represented by a director in the office of the Head of Service of the federation, Mrs Ochana Ofoma, stressed that commitment and drastic action from the government and every actor in the housing sector is imperative.

Bemoaning that housing is not affordable in the country, second national president, of the Nigeria Institute of Building, Mr Bimbo Kolade said there is a need for a national housing policy that engenders sustainability and affordability.

In his own input, Oyo Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola said the state showed commitment to affordable housing by creating and improving existing Government Reserved Areas (GRAs).

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Housing and Urban Development, Mr Olatilewa Folami, the Oyo Commissioner, however, bemoaned that the state grappled with the illegal activities of some private developers and land grabbers.

Speaking, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Housing, Mr Ayodeji Amodu avowed that the Lagos State government promotes public/private collaboration for affordable and sustainable housing delivery.

Other housing experts including Mr Ejidiran Oluyemi, Mr Francis Nonso, Mr Hakeem Ogunniran and Mr Kola Lawal advanced the need for the creation of innovative, creative and smart cities across the country.

They bemoaned that several cities failed to implement their master plans, such that cities expanded arbitrarily with agents looking for land everywhere.

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Housing experts push for use of sawdust, bamboo above cement, sand

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Housing experts push for use of sawdust, bamboo above cement, sand