BY TONY OKAFOR, AWKA
In 2007, the Anambra State Housing Development Corporation hosted its inaugural housing summit at the corporation’s headquarters in Awka, highlighting the state’s potential for innovative housing solutions.
The summit brought together stakeholders from the housing sector to discuss the benefits and opportunities presented by Hydraform Building technology, a globally recognized building solution.
Architect Mike Nwafor, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Anambra State Housing Development Corporation
who shared insights on the economic impact of Hydraform technology, also presented the lead paper during the summit.
“The introduction and adaptation of the award-winning, global, and versatile Hydraform building product has created multi-dimensional benefits for Anambra State,” Nwafor said.
One of the significant benefits of Hydraform technology is its potential to create jobs and empower youths.
With appropriate approvals secured by the Anambra State Housing Development Corporation from the Ministry of Lands and Survey, earth/laterite excavation has provided opportunities for the state’s teeming youths to be gainfully employed in earth mining and transportation.
Some local governments have multiple regulated mining sites, and Nwafor assured that on full blast of the technology, the 21 local government areas could provide direct mining jobs for about 100,000 youths or more and more than 1,000,000 indirect jobs.
This massive job creation potential could have a significant impact on reducing youth involvement in criminal activities.
According to Nwafor, “This translates to more than 1,000,000 youths delivered from criminality, prostitution, armed robbery, and vices of various kinds.”
By providing employment opportunities, Hydraform technology can help reduce poverty and crime rates in the state.
Hydraform technology also enables rapid construction, with buildings being completed in record time.
Nwafor shared an example, saying, “It was amazing watching one of the housing units (the security house) commenced and completed in a record 10 hours. The materials were all delivered the previous day while the construction work commenced this morning.”
He added that with what they have seen, a three-bedroom bungalow can actually be completed in a record 7 days with the roof, ceiling, and all electrical and plumbing details installed.
The adaptation of Hydraform Building technology is expected to stimulate economic activities and generate wealth.
The production of the machines and the spare parts means setting up production plants to facilitate the production and assembly of the machines and parts.
This will translate to a huge volume of business for all in the housing value chain.
According to Nwafor, “The corporation is starting with a modest 30 machines, spare parts that could last for one and accessories for the initial one year, and the economic impact is already being felt with recruitment and training of workers.”
Hydraform houses are more affordable than conventional buildings, making homeownership more accessible to citizens.
Nwafor noted that Hydraform houses were cheaper than conventional buildings, with cement taking just 5% of the bricks by volume, thus grossly scaling down the impact of the high cost of cement.
With the buildings costing 15-20% less than conventional buildings, it is expected that more homes will be produced for citizens, leading to increased savings and wealth creation.
The bricks production segment of the Hydraform complex chain is a multi-billion naira industry capable of enhancing the state’s GDP.
The corporation’s headquarters witnessed a beehive of activities due to increasing interest in the technology- both trained and untrained personnel looked up to this technology to change their fortunes.
However, some experts have raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of large-scale earth excavation.
To mitigate this, the corporation has recommended measures to ensure sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices.
One of such measures is the issuance of environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for any selected site for excavation activities.
A thorough study of the impact of excavation on adjoining lands, streams, lakes and rivers will be conducted.
The impact on existing infrastructure of roads, drainages, telecommunication cables, water ducts and pipelines will also be certified before any form of excavation will commence.
According to Nwafor, “We are committed to ensuring that our operations are environmentally sustainable and responsible.”
Hydraform buildings are designed to be durable and safe in adverse weather conditions.
Nwafor highlighted that the beauty of Hydraform building technology is that it is safe in adverse climate, doesn’t require wet mortar for laying the bricks. The technology utilizes the principle of tongues and grooves to lock up the brick walls. The absence of wet mortar in the laying of the bricks ensures firmness, durability and aesthetics.
The buildings are also designed to be reassembled in the event of weather devastation through mild earthquake or earth tremor thereby minimizing damages and losses.
Hydraform technology has the potential to transform Anambra State’s economy and provide affordable housing for its citizens.
It also holds the key to reducing the more than 17 million housing deficit in the country.
With its job creation potential, rapid construction capabilities, and cost savings, Hydraform technology is a game-changer for the state’s housing sector.
As Nwafor aptly put it, “The Hydraform building technology is a win-win for all, bringing technological innovations to housing development, wealth creation, and solving youth and societal vices.”
By leveraging this innovative technology, Anambra State can make significant strides in providing affordable housing and improving the quality of life for her citizens.
