Permanent, low-cost housing is vital for communities recovering from war. Currently, internally displaced people live in hastily erected, unstable homes. Brick homes have traditionally provided safe and secure housing, but the clay brick firing process requires vast amounts of fuel and results in heavy deforestation.

Connect Africa is partnering with Good Earth Trust to provide “Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks” for homes and buildings to serve Uganda’s IDP camps. ISSB bricks are made entirely of compressed soil, water and small amounts of concrete. They interlock together tightly and securely, greatly reducing the amount of mortar needed for building construction. The brick-making machine can produce 500 bricks per day and does not require any fuel or electricity to operate. The ISSB bricks build sturdy, affordable homes and save approximately five tons of firewood per house.