This Startup is Turning Plastic Waste into Bricks And Empowering Uganda’s Susceptible Communities

Uganda is dwelling to over 1,8 million refugees, making it one of many prime 5 internet hosting international locations on the earth. The 48 refugee settlements within the nation are principally overpopulated and so they exist in areas experiencing the worst types of environmental degradation.

Rising up within the Kyaka II Settlement, Ronald Mugaiga skilled the results first-hand, to the purpose of contracting cholera when he was younger. This left him with just a little probability of survival however in the present day, he’s the founding father of Ecomak Recyclers, a startup that’s constructed to enhance waste administration throughout refugee settlements, encourage native companies to have a extra sustainable life-style, and promote the round financial system.

“Our mission is to assist the group by turning waste into reusable development supplies,” Mugaiga says.

Ecomak has developed a chemical-free and energy-saving exclusion know-how known as organo-technology that helps to extend the melting strategy of plastic whereas retaining the bodily parameters of the plastic. The plastic is then used to make bricks and blocks.

“The bricks are two instances stronger than typical bricks,” notes Mugaiga.” They’ve zero breakages as soon as used and they’re long-lasting and sturdy.

Probably the most compelling worth proposition for using Ecomak bricks is the truth that the bricks are 30% cheaper than conventional bricks. Actual property and development firms are the startup’s largest prospects.There’s a 700 million greenback development market in Uganda. Ecomak intends to seize simply 1% of this large market within the subsequent 5 years.

“Our purpose is to seize markets in most of  Uganda within the subsequent 12 months and increase to the remainder of East Africa in 2-3 years,” says Ronald.

Ecomak has created over 100 jobs for underserved girls and youths within the communities of Kyaka II refugee settlement. Whereas bettering incomes via the alternate of plastic waste for money, they’ve managed to gather and recycle over 30 tons of waste per thirty days. The impression the corporate is making on a poverty alleviation and environmental degree is unprecedented and the world will definitely be higher due to it!