Compressed Earth Blocks: A Turning Point At Sustainable Housing

Khogen Akoijam *

Housing is the most crucial part in relation to the society nowadays and depending on it, one can determine how their life would be.

Prior, we were not even able to imagine how the world is about, but now, everything is clear and keeping in mind the underdevelopness/unhealthy surroundings of our state, people of Manipur are smileless, only showing eagerness for a change meaning we are living in a frustrated society and thus the reason behind for causing more and more problems in all sections and it seems future of Manipur is in the dark side because of the inability to make the changes needed to uplift a society, especially given our low economy.

In order to create a neat and clean and thereafter a peaceful environment (a moment we have been waiting for so long), everyone should focus on sustainable housing (not the skyscrapers and not the primitive ones) and then see the people changing their mindset and contributions for the evolvement of the society.

It is about developing/introducing new ideas and technologies. We already know about ACC and hollow blocks, but not the CEB. If CEB (silt + red soil + cement 5% (does not use sand or stone dust, no firing) 12 x 6 x 5 Inches LWH/Rs 5 per block or any size, unique texture plastering-free outside surface w/o designs) was, the present scenario of Manipur would have been a lot different in a long good way.

A set of three different types of machine is required;
(1) block making machine,
(2) pan mixer, and
(3) soil grinder,
but soil grinder may or may not be used depending upon the type of soil.

Today’s world is all about machines and tools and thus, we have also developed a lightweight CEB machine (the most promising machine ever made in Manipur/patenting) for two-layer plain/normal and/or designed/carved half solid or solid or interlocking blocks, 5℃ breathable, pollution free, 2000 to 2500 blocks a day.

It can produce blocks for a three-room house in a day and at the same time building a house using those blocks that are just made, excluding foundation ground works. In a state like Manipur, this machine will do all the necessary things to build houses at a very low cost unbeatable by others and that it will go well with all the needs of an individual; yes, it is a game-changing machine.

Our government is working on many projects for the development of Manipur, namely PMHS and should also prepare for a 4-5 crore project as soon as possible in PPP model for making CEB machines and distributing the machines free of cost to local NGOs/clubs for community housing and/or model village and them building houses for everyone in their localities as a part of social upliftment program (this will take more time if individual persons do it alone); then see the differences/changes in a year in Manipur, guarantee granted; a project that will be worth remembering forever.

It also can be engaged as a part of the PMHS for providing bricks/blocks to individuals, particularly given the tiny loan amount of PMHS and the sky-high price of all materials.

Claiming this machine can bring back all the dazzling smiles of everybody in Manipur again, then let this machine help transform the present lifestyle of the people of Manipur to a new one and there is no means in the short-term or long-term future other than this machine for transforming Manipur in such a little time and at such a little funding, again especially given our low economy and everyone in Manipur will welcome it.

To be continued ...