*By John Kusolo*
At the Uganda Architects’ Construction Symposium held at Imperial Hotel in Kampala on September 20, 2024, Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC), issued a stark warning regarding the mounting environmental threat posed by construction and demolition waste in Uganda. Delivering the keynote address, Kaijuka called for urgent action from property developers and government authorities to tackle the escalating problem, which, he warned, has severe implications for public health and the housing sector.
*The Growing Construction Waste Crisis*
Kaijuka pointed out that construction-related waste from houses, large buildings, roads, bridges, piers, and dams is rapidly becoming a major environmental concern. He noted that while domestic waste often takes the spotlight in public discussions, it is actually construction waste that poses a more significant and underappreciated threat. "Construction waste is a growing problem, and we’ve seen cases like Kiteezi where waste has overwhelmed us. The bigger problem isn’t domestic waste—it’s construction waste, which no one is paying attention to,” Kaijuka emphasized.
He highlighted that in the coming decade, many parts of Kampala are expected to undergo demolition as part of redevelopment initiatives, raising serious concerns about how the resulting debris—including materials like tiles, nails, and concrete—will be managed. Kaijuka warned that improper disposal of this waste threatens Uganda’s wetlands and water bodies, with large amounts of waste already ending up in Lake Victoria.
*Health and Environmental Concerns*
Kaijuka's remarks underscore the health risks associated with unmanaged construction waste. Improper disposal of materials such as wood, steel, and asphalt can lead to contamination of soil and water sources, posing direct threats to human health. He emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further environmental degradation and stressed the importance of developing a coordinated waste management strategy.
*Call for Sustainable Solutions and Recycling
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Echoing Kaijuka's concerns, Architect Catherine Muyinda, Honorary Secretary of the Uganda Society of Architects, urged industry stakeholders to explore sustainable recycling options. She cited the Netherlands as a model for waste recycling, where materials like old tires are transformed into useful products like pavers. "We don’t have recycling plants for construction waste yet, but we must start thinking big,” Muyinda remarked.
She advocated for the recycling of materials such as wood, steel, concrete, and asphalt, similar to practices in developed countries, as a means to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability in the construction sector.
*A Call for Urban Planning and Sustainable Development*
In his speech, Kaijuka, who was also representing Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, stressed the importance of urban authorities focusing on land, housing, and population planning to ensure organized, sustainable development in Uganda’s rapidly growing urban centers. He called for a more coordinated effort among local authorities, developers, and planners to manage the environmental footprint of the country’s expanding housing and infrastructure projects.
*KCCA’s Response to the Growing Waste Problem*
Mr. Vincent Byendaimira from the Directorate of Physical Planning at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) acknowledged the rising concern over construction waste in Kampala’s five divisions. He outlined KCCA’s ongoing collaboration with neighboring districts such as Kira, Mukono, and Wakiso to enforce infrastructure policies that can help mitigate the impact of construction waste.
*Addressing Uganda's Housing Deficit*
One of the key themes of the symposium, “The Business of Construction in Uganda,” was the housing deficit that the country is currently grappling with. Despite a population of 45.59 million, Uganda has only 2 million permanent housing units, far below the estimated demand of 9.2 million units. According to the 2016 National Housing Population survey, Uganda has 7.3 million houses that are over 50 years old, alongside 5 million semi-permanent houses and 3 million temporary structures.
With a population growing at an annual rate of 3.4%, or approximately 1.5 million people, the demand for new housing stands at 300,000 units per year. However, the construction industry is only producing 100,000 units annually, a figure far below the ideal minimum rate of 500,000 units that experts recommend to meet the nation’s housing needs.
*The Role of Innovative Construction Technologies*
The symposium also discussed innovative construction technologies as a key driver for success in Uganda’s construction sector. As the housing crisis deepens, industry players emphasized the need for innovative solutions that can improve both the quantity and quality of housing developments. Efficient construction methods, sustainable materials, and recycling practices were highlighted as potential game changers in addressing the housing shortfall while minimizing environmental impact.
Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka’s remarks at the Uganda Architects’ Construction Symposium serve as a critical reminder of the growing environmental threat posed by construction waste in Uganda. His call for immediate action from property developers and authorities underscores the need for a comprehensive waste management strategy that focuses on recycling, sustainable construction practices, and responsible urban planning.
As Uganda continues to face a severe housing deficit, experts at the symposium stressed that addressing the challenges of construction waste, alongside adopting innovative building technologies, will be essential for ensuring a sustainable and healthier future for the country’s rapidly growing population.
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