NAIROBI,

Two US companies have signed an agreement that will see them build hundreds of thousands of low cost housings especially in African towns, helping to easing housing shortage prevalent in most of African big towns.

Wall-Ties & Forms, one of the world's largest suppliers and designer of aluminium concrete forming systems and the Tagos Group- a consulting company with interests in construction and environmental projects among others, said a statement released last week in Nairobi.

   "We have signed a partnership agreement to immediately begin construction on low cost, mass housing across the continent of Africa to assist local governments and private investors in addressing a critical shortage of safe, affordable housing," said the statement.

   Wall-Ties' aluminium formwork system provides a poured concrete construction system that guarantees rapid construction of energy efficient, disaster resistant, quality residential and commercial, single and multi-level structures.

   The companies said they will train and utilize local, unskilled labor and source local raw materials to be used in the construction process.

   "I have travelled Africa extensively and I am acutely aware of the chronic need for quality, affordable housing," said Rodney Ellis, vice chairman of Tagos.

   The Wall-Ties formwork system forms all of the concrete in the structure including walls, floor slabs, columns, beams, stairs, window details, balconies and various decorative features in exact accordance with the architect's design.

   It allows for unskilled labour to construct concrete structures at a very rapid pace. The formwork system can be erected by local unskilled labour and without the need for hoisting cranes.
   The panels and other sections are secured and fixed by steel pins and wedges and formwork ties. The only tool required is a hammer.
"Wall-Ties has been working in Africa for the past several years and we recognize the significant need for low cost mass housing," said Mr Charles Engelken, President of Wall-Ties.

   Tagos is a Houston, Texas based organization providing business consulting and supply chain services.
   It has focused in Africa on the introduction of innovative solutions that accelerate the adoption and utilization of practices that address social, environmental or economical needs.

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