Tech: Could polystyrene technology be the long awaited solution to Africa's housing problem?

This technology is expected to reduce cost of building in Africa by 30%.

A Ugandan real estate developer has developed a new technology to create affordable housing in Africa.

The new technology, which was developed by Wolfgang Enderlie, involves the use of polystyrene panels. These panels are reinforced by concrete in building houses for low-income people in the Uganda.

Affordable housing is one main developmental problem in Africa. About 11 million people were reported to be homeless in Africa while another five million are living in inhabitable structures.

Ede Jorge Ijjasz Vasquez, Senior Director at the World Bank Group stated that majority of Africans live in poor housing facilities, as they cannot afford buying or building one.

“In many African countries, only the upper 5 to 10 percent of the population can afford the cheapest form of formal housing,” said Ede Jorge.

“As a result, 90 percent of Africans live in informal housing, where living conditions are often substandard and unsafe..."

Wolfgang Enderlie said this was his prime motivation in finding an alternative.

“I immediately found out there is a housing deficit. That there was no affordable housing, then I went back to Europe and met some researchers to find out the best construction material," he said.

"They told me that I have to manufacture polystyrene panels with mesh steel reinforcement.”

With this technology, cost of housing is expected to be cut by at least 30%. Also, the reinforced walls are stated to be five times stronger than the traditional brick wall and also fire retardant.

However, the current challenge with the use of this technology is that the polystyrene panels are being imported. Thus, the volatility of exchange rate in many African countries could hit up the price.

 

This technology is expected to reduce cost of building in Africa by 30%. Read Full Story