United Nations Resident Coordinator for Kenya Siddharth Chatterjee has challenged the government to think of embracing 3D printed houses in their bid to achieve affordable housing.
Speaking at Strathmore during a policy breakfast meeting, the UN top official cited that the technology will have major benefits as it is quick and affordable.
“A basic 3D printed house will cost about $4000 (KSh404,000) and it takes 24 hours to complete. When the houses are built on a large scale, the cost could come down to $1000 (KSh101,000),” said Siddharth.
A 3D printer has an independent robotic arm which prints the structural components on-site. A small gap is intentionally left between the interior and exterior of walls, to be filled with fiberglass. The fiberglass acts as a reinforcements agent which is later sprayed with a polyurethane-based mixture for insulation.
Once the walls were printed, crane help in removing the printer so to install windows, appliances, and the roof. The best thing with this mode of construction is that the entire structure can take just 24 hours to complete.
During the event organized by Business Advocacy Fund and the university, the official cited that he had engaged the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. James Macharia on the same.
The World Bank and IMF have set aside $1.9 (KSh190) billion in a bid to help the country on matters social, political, and economic development programs. The United Nations also has shown a clear indication that they do support the Big Four agenda and Vision 2030 as they have partnered with the two organizations to set the funds.
During the speech, he applauded the plan by the Government to provide universal healthcare, citing that the program will see many Kenyans benefit, mostly the poor.
The Official further noted that the country is making key steps towards development despite being faced with various challenges among them misappropriation of funds and corruption.
Kenya is on the right path. None of the development paths have been easy whether in Asia or Europe,” said the UN boss in Kenya.
