NHC to train contractors on new building technology

The National Housing Corporation (NHC) is planning to train local contractors on the use of its new expanded polystyrene (EPS) building technology.

The training is targeting at least 50 small and large contractors as the corporation moves to build capacity ahead of a roll-out of housing projects across the country using EPS technology.

NHC’s acting MD Henry Maina said there is currently a shortage of contractors with the requisite skills to undertake housing projects using EPS technology.

“NHC is about to roll out major housing developments using EPS technology and therefore we plan to build adequate capacity by the end of this year,” said Maina.

He said NHC would extend capacity building to small-scale artisans on application of the technology.

NHC expects to roll out at least 30,000 housing units in the next three years, most of which will use the EPS building technology.

The corporation last week published tenders in the national newspapers for pre-qualification of contractors with knowledge or interest in the use of EPS technology.

An EPS factory was established in Mlolongo, Machakos County in May 2012 as part of NHC’s vision to ensure that Kenya is a decently housed nation.

Use of the EPS technology is known to reduce construction periods by 50 per cent as well as bring down direct and indirect building costs by up to 30 per cent.

Qualifying contractors are required to be registered with the National Construction Authority (NCA). NHC has categorised its requirements for contractors into two groups to cater for small and large scale projects.

The first category comprises small contractors who will be required to have the ability to undertake projects with a minimum outflow of Sh10 million per month and the second category must have the capacity to undertake projects with a minimum outflow of Sh100 million per month.

Qualifying contractors will also be required to demonstrate that they have adequate and relevant equipment to undertake the work.

The required equipment and tools will include shotcrete guns for plaster application, props for aligning and supporting the panels, torch guns for plumbing and electrical works, conduits and panel joinery tools.

According to Maina, the shortage of skilled artisans with EPS building experience was affecting property prices due to higher costs of labour.

“A rising demand for EPS technology coupled with a shortage of skilled labour could see contractors increasing pay scales and those expenses ultimately being passed on to buyers,” said Maina. He said a labour shortage could also result in expensive delays, which would erode the benefits of EPS technology.

The country is currently facing the huge challenge of housing its growing population that is urbanising rapidly.