FFHC trains youth on modern block-making, construction technology

(Thursday September 01, 2016 Issue)

Freedom from Hunger Campaign (FFHC) is currently implementing a project where it trains youth on the use of modern technology in block making using laterite sand, cement and sand.

The project, ‘Climate Change Adaptation Technology for Socio-Economic Empowerment for Rural Communities’, is financed by Global Climate Change Alliance European Commission.

Through the project, FFHC has trained 13 youths on the use of the modern technology to produce blocks. It as well taught them how to use the blocks in house construction.

The project was designed to ameliorate the adverse effects of sand mining for house construction and other social structures.

Officials of TANGO recently visited the project site as part of their networking tour.

Omar Colley, programme officer for Forestry and Environment at FFHC, said the depletion of national resources for construction is being exacerbated by beach erosion due to the impacts of climate change.

“Sustainable management of coastal sand resources will involve regulating the supply chain for sand in The Gambia and promotion of economic alternatives to sand for specific construction purposes thus warranting the introduction of the CSEB technology,” he said.

Sidia Jammeh, president of FANDEMA youth group of Mansakonko, Lower River Region, commended FFHC for the project, saying it has transformed the lives of many youths.

“The project has sharpened the skills of youth in block-making and house construction,” he said.