Simon van Heck
After we finished the design of the Multipurpose Centre, we wanted to inform the residents of Chazanga about the plan to build the Multipurpose Centre in their 'informal settlement'. That's why we have made a billboard. Today we will put the billboard at the plot. This billboard serves the purpose of advertisement, for those who are interested in to hiring the space for shops.
However, our S4S project has changed a little bit. First, we wanted to develop an alternative and sustainable building technique. Now we will focus on building a prototype made out of Hydraform Blocks. This building technique is still in an early stage in Zambia, but we think this has a lot of potential. A block is made out of 90% soil and 10% cement. This makes it very environmental friendly and cheaper, compared to the commonly used concrete blocks. The prototype, called "Eco Wash", is a dry toilet (Eco San) combined with a bathroom and a sink for laundry outside. Rainwater will be harvested from the roof and be stored in a watertank. Because of the huge water shortage, this prototype might be the solution for improving the sanitation and hygiene in the slums of Lusaka, especially in Chazanga. Where the groundwater can be found at a depth of 135m.
Yesterday, we bought the building materials for the "Eco Wash". If the weather clears, we can start building the "Eco Wash". We'll inform you soon about the progress made!