Eco-bricks can save environment —Daud
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Management Halima Daud has said Malawi expects to ease pressure on the environment with the implementation of economic brick kilns by the Centre for Community Organisation and Development (Ccode).
Ccode, in partnership with Tara Eco-Bricks of India, is piloting the vertical shaft brick kiln (VSBK) being constructed at Mtchoka in Lilongwe with support from the German Embassy.
Speaking at the construction site on Monday, Daud said 850 000 tonnes of fuel wood and 1 500 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide would be saved annually if the project is implemented nationwide.
“There will also be recurring use of over 50 000 tonnes of coal thereby creating business of about $10 million within the country hence, promoting inclusive growth,” she said.
Daud added that the process will also improve quality of houses in the country and provide employment to many Malawians.
Ccode executive director Siku Nkhoma said her organisation embarked on the project to address environmental problems and improve access to affordable housing.
“We contacted officials from Tara Eco-Bricks Company from India who have already started the construction of the kilns. The work will be completed early next year,” said Nkhoma.
She said unlike the local kilns, which use a lot of fuel wood, the Eco-kiln will be using residuals from tobacco to produce 20 000 bricks a day.
German Ambassador Peter Woeste said the eco-kilns are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
“This is an important project. The story of burning bricks is a story of destruction. Reports say brick-making would consume the last tree in Malawi within the next 20 years and we are not talking about cooking,” said Woeste.
