By Seun Adams
In a bid to reduce incidence of building collapse in the country, the Federal Government has introduced an emerging technology in building infrastructure.
The new product, Pozzolana are materials with the property of cement and offers 40% cement replacement in building construction.
Speaking while commissioning the National Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) Pozzalana Pilot Plant and skills Acquisition Center in Bokkos, Jos on Friday, the Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said the Federal Government is encouraging the production of Pozzolana cement made from waste and other materials to make housing affordable for all and also reduce the incidence of building collapse.
According to the minister, cement is very important in the construction industry and stressed the need for people to learn and produce more Pozzalana materials that can meet our infrastructural needs.
Onu added that the present administration is committed to provision of new skills so as to reduce poverty and create new jobs.
He called on the Center Director to bring students to come and learn at the Centre and also initiate for collaboration with Plateau State University.
Earlier, the Acting Director-General of NBRRI, Prof. Samson Duna said that Pozzalana pilot plant project is hinged on the concept of promoting affordable and sustainable house where cement is place partially with Pozazalana, thereby reducing the cost of cement, reducing the level of pollution and emission of gasses which are responsible for global warming.
“The commissioning of the Bokos Plant is one of the firsts steps taken by the institute to promote the utilization of artificial Pozzolana in the country” he added.
Prof. Duna further said that, the institute has built skills acquisition centers in more than five Sates of the federation with Benue and Plateau states having the highest numbers.