We have completed the first earthquake-proof house using HICSEB (Hollow Interlocking Stabilized Earth Block) technology. As the technology was new to east Africa, we recognized this was a pilot project and so located the first dwelling on the Kagondo trade school grounds where oversight would be more effective than out in Nyamuhunga village. Two Kagondo teachers will be living in the new house. The Kagondo school is operated by the Kolping Society of Tanzania (the KST) who is our partner in this initiative.

Despite being located at Kagondo, construction of the first house has taken significantly longer than had been expected. Part of this was the inevitable learning curve that any pilot project will have, part was due to COVID challenges, part was due to a longer-than-usual rainy season (when HICSEB blocks cannot be manufactured), and part was due to the initial onsite project manager not having the requisite organizational skills. This extended time frame has resulted in costs being about 35% higher than expected. The KST has covered those additional costs.

Planning for the first HCSEB house in Nyamuhunga village is underway. This project will benefit from all the insights gained during the pilot project and should be completed in a more timely and cost-effective fashion.

Below are two photos of the new house at Kagondo.