BITMOG Leads the Charge
By: Mohammed A. Abu
Background
Once upon a time, there was this deliberate first Republican government policy to boost the use of bricks for many national projects by constructing at least 1 brick factory in each region for mass production of bricks for housing construction was a laudable initiative. This, then government of the day’s pragmatic action had come on the back of the use of burnt clay bricks and its allies in building construction long before Ghana’s independence as could be seen in many old buildings across the country.
That laudable initiative was however sadly cancelled after the coup d’état in 1966. Since then, the production and use of bricks as construction material suffered fluctuations and dwindled until the last decade when many efforts have been made to create awareness and also make bricks available for construction.
The Present Day Context
Currently, there is no reliable burnt clay bricks and tiles share of market data available for the 20% local buildings materials market niche in the country but thanks to the Bricks and Tiles Manufacturers of Ghana’s(BITMOG) sensitization and advocacy efforts on bricks,there is a gradual generation of interest mainly from private individuals. That is,in terms of construction of their homes either with bricks or in combination with sandcrete blocks. BTMOG is not satisfied yet, but believes it’s a positive sign for a work in progress.
These were disclosed by Samuel Ekuban Awoodzie, Executive Secretary of BTMOG in an exclusive with your favourite, the Eco-Eviro News, Africa magazine in Accra.
BITMOG-Developers Joint Action
On the benefits so far derived and which serves the cause of BITMOG’s promotion of bricks and tiles patronage from the amalgamation that was carefully done with developers to quickly address concerns and needs of producers and developers or home owners about product quality, availability and also to encourage innovation for customer satisfaction, Mr. Awoodzie had this to say.
“The adoption of a standard brick size [215 x 102.5 x 65mm], which was previously non-existing in addition to other sizes, quality improvement in brick products. Easy access to bricks due to shared communication platforms & brick factory locations, gular open discussion of issues like customer’s complaints and specific brick design need from developers and Training for some built environment practitioners in bricklaying techniques”
Advantages of locally Burnt Clay Bricks Use
On what are the advantages of locally burnt clay bricks and other green building materials, over cement blocks and imported building materials in terms of cost effectiveness, energy efficiency, environmentally, friendliness and sustainability, he had this to say.
Aside the fact that clay bricks are locally sourced sustainable material, it can save Ghana millions of dollars annually as an import substitution building material. The raw material CLAY, is abundant in Ghana.
Cost Saving, Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness
Additionally, 1. Due to its superior compressive strength we use less iron rods in brick buildings to save cost 2. Due to its thermal mass brick buildings have cooler inside temperature thus saving energy cost on air-conditioning. 3. Old bricks can be re-used thus promoting circular economy 4. Bricks do not emit any Volatile Organic Compounds thus providing indoor air quality 5. Bricks are Fire proof thus they do not burn like cement blocks. 6. Demolished brick buildings do not pollute the environment because it is made of clay (raw earth material) – eco-friendly & Sustainable in nature. 7. Termites cannot inhabit in burnt clay bricks.
Achievement of BITMOG’s Objectives
To what extent has BTMOG achieved its objective of attracting investments/funding to the brick and tile sector to ensure sustainable growth in production and job creation, he said their efforts indirectly have led to the setting up of a new brick factory with modern technology and higher production output. “Additionally, a few existing factories have been able to retool by investing in new machines and BTMOG is encouraged about this development”.
Current Status of Burnt Bricks Industry
On what is the current status of the use of burnt bricks for the construction of housing, educational, health, agricultural, churches in the country, Mr. Awodzie said, Patronage of bricks for building construction so far, has been from private developers or home owners which is still on the low side. Government response to the use of burnt clay bricks, he noted, has rather been very slow though they always show great interest and have good knowledge of its transformative economic potentials.
“Educational, Health, Agricultural infrastructure, staff accommodation and administrative buildings are well ripen hanging fruits that government could use bricks to construct to realize its full potential and cost savings” he intimated.
The Annual Green Building Summit’s Contribution
On the positive impact of the Annual Green Building Summit since its creation in terms of local patronage of local building materials, he said the event has been one of the key platforms awareness creation for the use of sustainable architecture & building materials for built environment practitioners. That, he said, has made more practitioners made enquiries, recommended or even purchase bricks for some projects.
Brick Fund Proposition
On what proposition BTMOG may wish to make for possible government consideration that would serve his organization’s course better and more so, inure to the benefit of the gross national economy, Mr. Awozdie, proposition was the setting up of a “BRICK FUND” to support the sub-sector which would in turn partner government to effectively implement its low cost housing agenda.
“This brick fund would enable producers to retool and increase production, beneficiary brick factories could be made to payback their loans in bricks equivalent value to be used for housing construction across Ghana”
The Brick & Tile Manufacturers of Ghana which is the promotional association of brick producers in the country.Mr. Awodzie’s role as its Executive Secretary strategically focuses on creating ready market for burnt clay bricks in Ghana through 5 key challenging engagements: 1. Advocacy for brick use for public infrastructure like schools, clinics, warehouses, staff accommodation & affordable housing through government policy implementation. 2. Public sensitization on the sustainable benefits and cost savings of burnt clay bricks for home owners. 3. Leading compliance to standards and quality improvements for burnt brick products. 4. Facilitate capacity building in skills training for bricklayers. 5. Discussing and looking for means/funding support to transition to cleaner energy for brick production
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