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VSBK
technology transfer
to Nepal |
In May 2002, the Government of Nepal
announced the discontinuation of production licenses
for Bull’s trench kilns (BTK) with movable chimneys.
This decision along with environmental concerns from neighboring
communities has placed brick makers under strong pressure
to find a viable alternative to the BTK. In an initial stage
of the programme preparation, Government of Nepal analyzed the technical,
environmental and commercial viability of VSBK technology,
and concluded that it responds to the needs of the brick industry
and at the same time achieving to conserve energy and benefit
the environment. Environmental reforms in the brick and other
energy intensive sectors are largely in response to the Rio
Conference Agenda 21.
In this line, Government of Nepal signed a bilateral agreement with SDC (Swiss
Agency for Development and Cooperation) to implement VSBK
technology transfer in February 2003. At present, the programme
is going into the second implementation phase (2005-2007)
VSBK Programme, a holistic approach to modernize the brick
industry in Nepal
Anchoring the technology in Nepal
In the past, the VSBK programme has tested the feasibility
of the technology in Nepal with two demo VSBKs in Lalitpur
district under close technical and managerial supervision.
Since the technical viability and energy conservation potential
of the technology has been demonstrated, the technology is
made available to local support service providers with provision
of technical backup supports. A cautious but dynamic approach
has been adopted to transfer technical know-how and skills
for strengthening local capacities to assimilate and adopt
the new technology. A multi disciplinary team has been formed,
comprising of representatives from Government of Nepal, brick associations,
research organizations, technology providers, technology developers
and support service providers. The overall goal and purpose
of the programme has been defined as follows
GOAL
Significant improvements in environmental performance and
social equity of the building material sector are shown on
pilot basis.
PURPOSE
Access to field-tested sustainable building material production
systems for small and medium enterprises is provisioned.
The VSBK technology transfer team
For effective technology transfer programme and close cooperation,
a South-South collaboration has been formed between Skat Consulting
(Swiss Center for Development Cooperation in Technology and
Management), a Swiss consulting organization, and DA (Development
Alternatives) a technology development NGO, based in New Delhi,
India. The overall responsibility of programme co-ordination
and management rests with Skat Consulting while an active
and vibrant partnership exists in providing technical and
social solutions, energy and environmental monitoring, networking,
capacity building through practical training and documentation.
The team comprises technical and social experts and is closely
involved in the technology transfer process.
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