Limpopo-Lipadi pioneers green construction technique in Botswana

In keeping with Limpopo-Lipadi's ethos as a sustainable and environmentally conscious game and wilderness reserve, the eco-friendly sandbag construction technique is being implemented for the first time in Botswana.

A popular construction method in neighbouring South Africa, the sandbag technique requires no electricity on site and minimal amounts of water; the materials are lightweight and make use of local resources and communities can learn the simple technique quickly. Homes built using the sandbag technique are waterproof, offer thermal stability remaining cool in summer and warm in winter and hold sound absorbing properties.

On the award winning Limpopo-Lipadi game and wilderness reserve which covers some 32,000 hectares of eastern Botswana, the shareholders have elected to utilise sandbag construction for the staff village in which some 50 local people live.

Alan Marneweck, Founder and Shareholder of Limpopo-Lipadi, comments, "One of the cornerstones of Limpopo-Lipadi's comprehensive sustainability model is corporate social responsibility. The reserve works in close conjunction with the local communities, providing employment and training to men and women. We feel that it is important to provide quality accommodation on the reserve for our employees as well as empowering them with new, transferable skills such as the sandbag construction technique."

He goes on to say, "It is essential that we focus on every aspect of the sustainability of the reserve and that includes the resources for our building materials. Using sandbag construction limits the use of carbon emitting building products and subsequently reduces our carbon footprint."

The sandbag homes in the staff village are nearing completion with the external plastering work and roofing using natural materials being undertaken. The first residents are expected January 2009.

For more information about the Limpopo-Lipadi Game and Wilderness reserve visit limpopo-lipadi.com