Fumesua (Ash), April 30, GNA – A two-day seminar to discuss research findings and explore effective ways of promoting the sustainable utilization of bamboo resources, especially for housing in Ghana, has opened at Fumesua near Kumasi.
Dubbed First Bamboo Colloquium, the seminar is being held under the auspices of the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), and part of a broader action plan by the Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MESTI), to encourage the use of local raw materials in the building and construction industry.
Attending are scientists, technocrats, environmentalists, architects andother professional actors.
Bamboo utilization for a greener construction and future in Ghana, isthe theme.
Dr Joe Oteng-Adjei, the Sector Minister, in a speech read for him, said government is stepping up efforts to make sure that at least 60 per cent of materials used in building and construction is indigenous by next year.
The Minister disclosed that Cabinet has already approved a housing policy prepared to this effect by his ministry, adding that under policy, there would be greater use of local materials for the construction of school blocks,market stalls, public toilets and affordable housing units.
Dr Oteng-Adjei said bamboo as an indigenous raw material could significantly help to address challenges in the construction industry,particularly in the wake of the rising cost of housing and other infrastructural development.
The increased cultivation and use of bamboo, he said, could considerably reduce the import bill on building materials, retain capital and provide employment for the youth.
Dr Victor Agyemang, Director of FORIG, urged corporate bodies, environmentalists and non-governmental organizations to invest in bamboo cultivation.
He said it could serve as excellent substitute for wood, adding that, over the years it had provided numerous services and products for human survival.
He made reference to East Asia where knowledge of its properties and dissemination of the knowledge had been thoroughly pursued.
The participants would be discussing Bamboo in plantation and climate change mitigation, Bamboo for housing and construction in Ghana, Properties and processing of bamboo species in Ghana and Bamboo resources for environmental sustainability and rural development.
GNA
This article has 0 comment, leave your comment.