Developer proposes use of local materials
An estate developer, Engr. Emmanuel Chukwunonye Madu, has advocated the use of sustainable methods and materials in housing construction towards providing affordable housing to the low-income sector of the Nigerian society.
An estate developer, Engr. Emmanuel Chukwunonye Madu, has advocated the use of sustainable methods and materials in housing construction towards providing affordable housing to the low-income sector of the Nigerian society.
He is championing the use of burnt rice husk in stabilizing lateritic soils for use as construction blocks to replace sandcrete blocks in building construction.
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In an interview with Daily Trust, Madu who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shungrila Estates Limited, said this would significantly reduce construction cost and positively impact housing affordability.
He explained that rice husk is an emerging sustainable construction material and its utilization results in environmentally friendly practices of agricultural waste control and reduction in greenhouse emissions from conventional cement production, thereby improving overall sustainability.
“This aids the de-carbonization policies of most modern governments as obtainable in advanced countries. The world is basically going green and Nigeria cannot be left behind,” he said.
The estate developer said he intends to deploy the technology worldwide, contributing in improving general global environmental health and sustainability, and providing affordable housing to low-income earners in Nigeria.
Madu further said as a trained engineer, he has the expertise to drive the agenda, stressing that he has a proven track record in affordable housing delivery, having previously partnered with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to build 750 housing units.
He said he would ramp up housing construction by deploying modern construction techniques and unique financial products for the benefit of Nigerian workers.