Habitat for Humanity promotes eco-friendly SSB, ISSB building technology

Humanitarian organisation Habitat for Humanity Malawi has introduced Stabilised Soil Blocks (SSB) and Interlocking Stabilised Soil Blocks (ISSB) as sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional building materials.

Speaking in an interview with The Malawi Guardian, Habitat for Humanity Programmes Director Mabvuto Kholowa said the initiative is aimed at promoting construction methods that protect the environment while providing affordable and durable housing.

Kholowa said the widespread cutting down of trees for firewood used in brick burning and for timber has contributed significantly to environmental degradation, making it necessary to adopt greener building technologies.

“We wanted building materials that are sustainable and do not harm the environment. SSB and ISSB reduce dependence on timber and firewood, helping to conserve our natural resources,” he said.

He also highlighted the organisation’s role in helping communities recover from the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy.

Kholowa said Habitat for Humanity has so far constructed 70 houses for families affected by the disaster and is working to complete 96 houses for households whose homes were destroyed or washed away by the cyclone.

He said the organisation’s core mandate is to provide decent housing for vulnerable families in both rural and urban communities across Malawi.

Beyond housing, Habitat for Humanity also implements programmes in water and sanitation, renewable energy, livelihoods and skills development.

The organisation is currently implementing projects in Mulanje, Thyolo, Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Nkhotakota, Zomba and Dedza districts.

Kholowa added that Habitat for Humanity also runs a national advocacy programme aimed at influencing housing policies and improving market systems to expand access to decent and affordable housing.

“We are working to influence the housing market system so that more Malawians can access adequate housing. Our work is spread across the country,” he said.

Habitat for Humanity envisions a Malawi where everyone has a decent place to live. Since 2014, the organisation has constructed more than 2,000 houses for vulnerable households nationwide.