Past editions

Slum upgrading sometimes works!

2004-11-17T14:41:15+00:00

Upgrading slums to become decent neighborhoods is a task that is generally considered impossible. However, an EcoSouth expert visited an area in Nairobi where apparently there has been success. It is clear that the system cannot be easily copied, but at least it shows possible paths. It is said that Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is the city with most slums in the world, 55% of the population of 2,200,000 lives in these areas.

Quality of design influences other projects

2004-11-17T14:47:28+00:00

Those human settlements of a social natural with dozens, even hundreds, of identical houses in straight lines are well-known throughout the world. EcoSouth colleagues are struggling to change this situation by introducing variety and creativity in these neighborhoods. An example in Honduras shows how sometimes one experience can influence others.

150.000 Cool Tiles in Namibia

2004-11-17T14:51:19+00:00

In September 2004, Eco Solution CC celebrated the production of the 150,000th cool tile in Namibia with an event attended by local building suppliers, Municipality representatives, another cool tiles producer and two future tile producers, as well as group leaders from the Clay House Project. They learned about the history of MCR tiles in Namibia, saw how tiles were made and quality controlled.

Swimming against the current

2004-11-17T15:05:51+00:00

Swimming against the current requires initiative, strength and endurance but its the right way to go according to a South African architect. A recently completed social housing project in Cape Town demonstrates that alternative implementation strategies can provide jobs and produce cost effective, quality results.

International Conference on Building with Earth

2004-11-17T15:11:01+00:00

At a recent conference on building with earth in Germany, experts from around the world presented their investigations and work. It was outstanding to see how earth as a construction material has been revived in Germany and to learn that it is possible to open a market for natural materials in a world with a high level of development and perfection. Conference visitors also had the opportunity to visit a house built with earth in 1717.

20 000th bicycle from Pedales for Progreso to Nicaragua

2004-11-17T18:53:09+00:00

The 20,000th bicycle to arrive in Nicaragua as part of the Pedals for Progress program of recycling bicycles is destined for EcoTec S.A. in Jinotepe. The used bicycles collected in the United States help to alleviate the grave transportation problem and are bought by all sectors of society, from students, housewives, industrial workers, farmers, to ambulant vendors. Besides distributing the bicycles, EcoTec also organizes bicycle races that are extremely popular among children and youth.

back

Women take the lead in Orwetoveni

2004-11-17T18:57:07+00:00

Women are highly present in a squatter upgrading program in Namibia, taking on everything from organizational tasks, to making clay bricks for their houses, learning new trades such as tile-making and metal working. They are setting new standards for what can be accomplished. One of the male group leaders at the Clay House Project said that tiles are better made by women, as they are more careful and take the job seriously. We men have to compete with the women. We have to become better.

back

Affordable housing - first house paid off

2004-11-17T19:01:27+00:00

It was with great pleasure that Mercedes Gutiérrez paid the last installment on her house, which forms part of an innovative housing program of EcoTec S.A. in Nicaragua. Through a process of quick recovery of the capital, the system allows construction of more housing, using ecologically viable materials, attractive designs at an affordable price. Mercedes, who is an engineer with the Municipality of Diriamba, moved with her husband and two children to the new house in December of 2000. In less than four years she was able to pay off her mortgage, the first installment in January 2001 and the last in October 2004. Her house is now paid and fully hers!

back