Makiga Interlocking Soil Blocks Reduces Construction Costs by 50%

If you are planning to begin constructing your residential home, you might need to consider using interlocking building blocks over normal bricks as they save on money, and time and are friendly to the environment.
Makiga Engineering Service Limited General Manager Grace Kiroko told TUKO.co.ke that the building blocks are becoming a game-changer in the construction sector.
According to Kiroko, the blocks are especially suitable for Kenyans seeking to reduce building and transportation costs.
Started forty years ago, Makiga manufacturers different kinds of manual soil block machines that make affordable and quality building blocks.
“Interlocking block cuts on costs more than conventional bricks because they are made from 95% soil and 5% cement. The blocks are made at the site, which ultimately saves the project owner in transportation costs,” Kiroko said, adding that one can use any soil to make the bricks apart from black cotton soil.
The general manager further stated that those who use such blocks save on time as the method uses the dry stack technique that requires minimum cement and sand unlike conventional methods.
“Consequently, the building technique makes construction cheaper because of less use of cement and water, which is what everybody wants.”
Safety of the blocks
Using the blocks also has another advantage: durability and safety. According to the expert, the interlocking blocks are considered stronger than traditional walls, owing to their nature. Kiroko said that the bricks lock themselves with other bricks, which gives the walls additional strength.
They also saves the environment in that they reduce CO2 emission tenfold and mitigate the rate of deforestation.
Makiga machines
The company manufactures four types of manual soil block machines: the standard non-interlocking soil block and the standard double straight interlocking soil block press.
It also makes the wide straight interlocking soil block presses and the curved interlocking soil block press.
The machine can make blocks that vary in size. For instance, the standard non-interlocking block makes blocks measuring 290 by 140 by 115mm, while the wide straight interlocking block makes blocks measuring 230 by 220 by 115mm.
Benefits to the customer
The general manager said that those who acquire the machine stand to benefit as it makes up to 500 blocks daily.
Makiga also offers free training to those who acquire the machine on using them.
“We also offer free training in our premises in Nairobi after purchase or send trainers at customers’ site at a cost.”
She added that they deliver the machine for free to towns closest to customers.
Kiroko cautioned customers against buying counterfeit soil block press machines adding that the market is currently flooded with fake ones.
She added that Kenyans should steer clear of cheap machines that are incapable of making quality blocks.