Gulu gets 3 block-making machines
Jun 17, 2008
Gulu district has acquired three hydraform machines from South Africa to help build low-cost houses for the displaced persons who are returning to their homes from camps.
By Chris Ocowun
Gulu district has acquired three hydraform machines from South Africa to help build low-cost houses for the displaced persons who are returning to their homes from camps.
The machines were acquired with a sh193.5m funding from the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF).
The district technical officer, Dr. Tony Aliro, said the proposal for the machines was made by Laroo, Awach and Lakwana sub-counties.
He said each sub-county was given sh84m, adding that any money left after the purchases would be used to build community centres. Each hydraform costs sh64.5m.
Gulu district chairman Norbert Mao handed over the machines to the community leaders last week.
“Each machine can make 4,000 blocks per day. Every community member should therefore be able to build a house in their homes.â€
Mao thanked the Office of the Prime Minister for paying taxes worth sh40m for the machines.
He said the returnees should now build semi-permanent low-cost houses, instead of the grass-thatched ones.
Mao added that only those who would make blocks for building and not for sale would be given iron sheets donated by the President.
He advised the district engineering department to sign management agreements with the sub- counties on maintenance of the machines.
“These machines will be at the service of everybody who wants to use them,†Mao noted, adding that the district would also use the machines to make blocks to for teachers’ houses, health centres and schools.
Mao requested development partners to offer cement to the returnees, a necessary ingredient in making the blocks.
The locals would provide the labour and other materials such as sand, Mao noted.
Gulu district has acquired three hydraform machines from South Africa to help build low-cost houses for the displaced persons who are returning to their homes from camps.
The machines were acquired with a sh193.5m funding from the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF).
The district technical officer, Dr. Tony Aliro, said the proposal for the machines was made by Laroo, Awach and Lakwana sub-counties.
He said each sub-county was given sh84m, adding that any money left after the purchases would be used to build community centres. Each hydraform costs sh64.5m.
Gulu district chairman Norbert Mao handed over the machines to the community leaders last week.
“Each machine can make 4,000 blocks per day. Every community member should therefore be able to build a house in their homes.â€
Mao thanked the Office of the Prime Minister for paying taxes worth sh40m for the machines.
He said the returnees should now build semi-permanent low-cost houses, instead of the grass-thatched ones.
Mao added that only those who would make blocks for building and not for sale would be given iron sheets donated by the President.
He advised the district engineering department to sign management agreements with the sub- counties on maintenance of the machines.
“These machines will be at the service of everybody who wants to use them,†Mao noted, adding that the district would also use the machines to make blocks to for teachers’ houses, health centres and schools.
Mao requested development partners to offer cement to the returnees, a necessary ingredient in making the blocks.
The locals would provide the labour and other materials such as sand, Mao noted.