Objectives
In the Comoros, the stabilised compressed earth brick (SCEB) sector is being rebuilt following an initial attempt to launch it in 2010. As part of the School Environment Improvement Project (PAES), the French Development Agency is supporting the revival and development of this sector by promoting the use of this material for the complete refurbishment of around 45 schools, with the aim of producing more than 1.8 million compressed earth blocks. In order to meet these objectives, the sector needs to strengthen its capacities in the areas of production, quality control of the blocks and their installation.
To support this regional initiative, ART.TERRE Mayotte (project lead), CRAterre and their local partners: the National Housing Agency (ANH) in the Comoros and the National Laboratory for Public Works and Building (LNTPB) are proposing a cooperation project - AMATECO COOPÉRATION - with the Comoros, aimed at enhancing the skills of stakeholders in the BTCS sector, with a view to promoting their professionalisation whilst promoting local expertise and the training of young people.
Results
An initial diagnostic mission was carried out from 9 to 21 April across the three islands covered by the project (Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli). This phase provided a clearer picture of the local context, particularly regarding the SCEB sector. The assessment focused on its current structure, from access to the resource through to the completion of construction projects. Attention was paid to the roles played by all stakeholders across the value chain, covering highly technical aspects – such as the production and use of the material – as well as issues relating to institutional support, training and the promotion of the material. The assessment also provided an opportunity to examine the economic approach to SCEB construction, a prerequisite for the sector’s long-term viability, including, amongst other things, a review of the block sizes to be produced in future for projects outside the PAES framework.
The mission also provided an opportunity to make some immediate technical adjustments to improve the quality of production at the brickworks.
In line with the planned activities of the AMATCO COOPÉRATION project, three training courses focusing on local capacity-building were developed and delivered to specific target audiences. The course content was developed following the diagnostic mission.
A second mission took place over 10 days, from 19 to 29 September, on Grande Comore. The training sessions focused on:
- the production of stabilised compressed earth bricks. The aim of this training was to improve the quality of SCEB production, to gain a better understanding of the manufacturing cycle, to strengthen quality control from the raw earth material to the finished product, and to train technical supervisors capable of training teams. It brought together 17 participants: 13 participants from the ANH (branch managers, technical supervisors, engineers and brickmakers), including 2 from the Anjouan branch and 2 from the Mohéli branch, 1 participant from the LNTPB (technician), and 3 Master’s 2 students from the IUT/UDC (University of the Comoros, on placement at the ANH).
- certification, testing and laboratory inspections. The aim of this training was to enable participants to learn about and understand existing standards for SCEB construction, as well as the various testing and inspection protocols for materials. It brought together 12 participants: 5 from the ANH, 6 from the LNTPB, and 1 representative from the private company BARGE
- the design and construction rules for SCEB. The aim of this training was to enable participants to learn about and understand the principles and rules for the design and dimensioning of SCEB structures, as well as the stages of construction supervision. It brought together 11 participants: 4 from the ANH, 1 from the LNTPB, 3 Master’s students from the IUT/UDC (University of the Comoros), 1 trainer from the Djomani ya Mbude Training and Vocational Integration Centre, and 2 representatives from the private companies BARGE and SCPMC.
A third mission, carried out from 5 to 19 February, provided an opportunity to take stock of the sector and outline the next steps, particularly in terms of vocational and university training, as well as material certification and capacity-building within the private sector, with a view to fostering the sector’s development once AFD’s support has come to an end.
In addition to these on-the-ground activities, the team developed communication materials setting out the ‘case for’ the use of BTCS, aimed at partners.
Partners
ART.TERRE Mayotte (project lead), CRAterre, ANH aux Comores, LNTP
Funding
AFD
