ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP):A three-day training workshop on Construction and Operations of Zig-Zag Bricks Kilns concluded here at Pakistan Engineering Council on Friday.
The workshop was organized by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in collaboration with Ministry of Climate Change, National Energy and Efficiency Conservation Authority (NEECA), Climate and Clean Air Coalition, All Pakistan Brick Owners Association and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC).
ICIMOD is closely working with Ministry of Climate Change since 2012 for successful implementation of the REDD+ Initiative in Pakistan.
During three-day workshop, the experts of ICIMOD imparted training to the PEC Engineers and bricks kilns owners about the construction of Zig-Zag Bricks Kilns and practical knowledge about good practices on brick production process.
The training programme was aimed to introduce Zig-Zag firing concept, its advantages and to train brick entrepreneurs, fire maters, stackers to operate Zig-Zag firing practices and to enhance the capacity of entrepreneurs, workers, Engineers on the cleaner brick firing practices, construction of improved design brick kiln.
The experts also imparted training about the cost-effective technology solutions for cleaner brick production, its benefits and best operating practices.
Secretary PEC Khadim Hussain Bhatti said that 展e are amongst top ten countries vulnerable to climate change. He said that under such scenario and in order to meet the demands of our ever-growing population, sustainable and energy-efficient technologies are required to be promoted in all sectors of economy.
He said that the construction industry in terms of materials and supplies are quite energy intensive besides environmental degradation effects.
He said that the introduction of environment friendly and energy efficient Bricks Kilns is an effort in the right direction.
He said that PEC join hands with ministry of Climate Change and other partners to impart training and raise awareness among the stakeholders and the allied professionals.
He assured that PEC would always extend its support in awareness raising and skill development of the professionals, designers and the masons for large scale adoption of this technology which could have far reaching impacts on the energy resources, environmental protection and overall economic growth of the country.
In the concluding session of the workshop, the participants during field visit imparted training about brick stacking in the dug and Zig-Zag firing practices in the model kiln.
The Ministry of Climate Change has assured to extend all possible support to the brick kiln owners willing to construct the Zig-Zag kilns according to convention orthodox style.
The three-day training workshop was also attended by Secretary Ministry of Climate Change Khizer Hayat Khan, Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan Ms. Sewa Lamsal, Country Head ICIMOD Dr. Abdul Wahid Jasra, Managing Director NEECA Yousaf Naseem Khokhar, President Brick Kiln Owners Association Shoaib Khan Niazi, Chairman PEC, professionals and engineers.
It may mentioned here that the clay brick-manfacturing sector in Pakistan with an estimated 1.5 per cent contribution to the GDP. There are about 20,000 brick kilns in Pakistan. Many are located around urban areas and contribute significantly to air pollution.
