While the urbanization of Uganda gathers Tempo, experts warn that the country's booming construction industry is essential for the development that harms the environment considerably.
The calls are now growing to take over environmentally friendly building practices, which preserve natural ecosystems and at the same time meet the infrastructural requirements.
The construction sector in Uganda went through a big change from the traditional techniques of 400 years ago – as houses with grass, mud and cow manure were built in rural Africa.
Today, concrete, steel, brick and wood dominate building materials that are driven by growing demand and modern engineering.
According to the converting expert, however, this progress is at considerable ecological costs.
The environmental engineer Hasan Sejoba emphasizes that many of today's construction methods and materials are not sustainable.
“Depending on the size of the project, modern construction practices have made a massive contribution to environmental deterioration.
For example, wood is covered by cutting trees that accelerate the design, ”explains Sejoba.
He adds that the extensive use of machines with fossil sectors release harmful carbon emissions and contributes to global warming.
Sejoba also points out that brick production and landlears disturb the top floor and increase the risk of erosion and sedimentation in waters.
“The construction creates a considerable amount of non -biodegradable waste. Colors, tiles and paint that are left behind contain chemicals that pollute both soil and water,” warns Sejoba.
A study by Leonard Kayizi from 2012, Mark Atuhaire and others showed that construction activities in Uganda make 25% of national greenhouse gas emissions, 15% of water consumption, 20% of the harvested wood and 35% of total energy consumption.
These statistics underline the urgent need for reform in the way the country builds its houses, schools, streets and companies.
Reagan Isiko, a quantity survey, recognizes the contradiction in the industry. “Construction created employment and born numerous professions, including mine.
People now live in strong, durable buildings. However, this progress has been cost for the environment, ”he said.
It refers to the growing urban floods and the spread of diseases of water as visible indicators for poor drainage systems and the neglect of the environment.
In particular, wetlands and natural drainage channels are filled to make room for new developments.
The way forward: Green Construction Solutions
In order to reverse the trend, experts ask contractors and developers to pursue more sustainable approaches. Isiko suggests several solutions:
Renovation around new buildings: The restoration of old structures can reduce the need for raw materials and minimize land approval.
Water efficiency: If you use recycled water and install efficient sanitary systems, you can get resources.
Environmentally friendly materials: The replacement of wood with synthetic or recycled alternatives such as artificial wood helps to get forests.
Smaller footprints: Building modest houses can significantly reduce the loss of vegetation and the disorder of the soil.
Waste management: Construction sites should have set centers for sorting and secure waste.
Row and emission controls: machines should be equipped with silencers and regularly maintained to reduce the noise and gas emissions.
The construction regulations of the rainy season should be minimized during the rainy season to prevent the drainage of oil, cement and silt in nearby water sources.
“Each construction project must have a comprehensive plan for waste development. Without them, we affect both human and environmental health,” emphasizes Isiko.
While Uganda is developing, the search for the right balance between the expansion of the infrastructure and environmental supply remains an urgent challenge.
The call of environmentalists and construction experts is clear: build up intelligently and build up sustainably.
The future of the construction industry lies not only in higher buildings and stronger materials, but also in more intelligent methods that protect the planet for future generations.