The ISSB technology
In Uganda, fired clay bricks are most commonly used in the construction of buildings. These are of poor quality and a lot of firewood is needed for their production. Interlocking Stabilised Soil Blocks (ISSB) offer a more environmentally friendly, higher quality and cheaper alternative in production. The ISSB bricks are made of local clay mixed with cement by pressing. The special shape guarantees a good bond in combination with low mortar use.
In the second and third project phases we have already used the ISSB bricks to build our water technology buildings and partly the cisterns. Our project partner Father Thomas Varghese also used the ISSB stones for one of the teachers’ buildings.
In the long term, together with our project partner, we plan to develop a concept for a fair handover of the machine to members of the local community. This would give them the opportunity to earn money themselves and create new jobs.
The use of the ISSB machine makes it possible to spread the environmentally friendly, high-quality bricks. Through the use of ISSB bricks in our building, as well as in other school buildings, other potential customers can convince themselves of the new technology. We want to strengthen the local economy in Iyolwa even after completion of the school complex. That is why we also hold workshops together with the local population and construction workers.