Bundase (GAR), June 18, GNA - Lt General Joseph Henry Smith (RTD), Minister of Defence, on Thursday inaugurated a model three-bedroom house at Bundase Military Camp. It was jointly built by Walltech Ghana Limited and the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in eight days. About 95 per cent of the materials used including concrete dust and cement came from Ghana.
Walltech, a Spanish company, started operations in the country two months ago with the vision of partnering the government to satisfy the growing demand for cost effective, durable and quality housing scheme for Ghanaians.
Addressing officers and men at Bundase, Lt. Gen. Smith said the camp would be transformed into a modern range that would allow classification and training at all times of the year. He said permanent structures would replace the tents that were currently being used, which posed a lot of problems during the raining reason.
The Minister said although he was satisfied with the works of Walltech, government was yet to give the final approval for the company to start full operations.
Lt. Gen Smith expressed optimism that Ghanaian engineers who took part in the construction would be able to replicate the Walltech technology without any assistance.
He said when the agreement between the government and Walltech was finalized GAF, could generate a lot of income by using the technology to build houses for private individuals and companies. The Minister used his visit to interact with personnel who are training for peacekeeping mission in DR Congo (Ghanbatt six). He said very soon the Teshie Military Range would be relocated at Bundase for efficiency in the training of troops. "Training is the cornerstone for battle readiness, without it, we cannot be ready for anything," he said.
Lt. Gen. Smith said it was the intention of government to make soldiering joyful and training comfortable. He told the soldiers to maintain the high standards Ghanaian soldiers had earned on the international scene through hard work and professionalism.
Mr Eric Gene, Chief Executive Officer of Walltech Ghana Ltd, said their building technology did not compose of blocks but concrete dust with 4-6 inches thick slabs as foundation that could withstand a maximum of four floor storeys.
He said the barrier coat protected the wall from fire, accidental damage, and the impact of the weather, including wind driven rain and earthquakes.
Mr Gene said the company's technology had been successfully used in Ecuador, Brazil and Mexico with Ghana being the first African country. He said if negotiations were successful, Ghana would be the source of supply of the technology to the rest of Africa. 18 June 09
