Two officials of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB)
has recommended the use of mud instead of sand to make concrete blocks for
construction purposes.

The officials told newsamen
in Lagos that mud-based blocks were more economical, affordable and
durable for construction than blocks made of sand.

The officials debunked fears that mud-based blocks were not
safe for use, explaining that mud-based blocks were a mixture of mud and
cement.

The National President of NIOB, Mr Chucks Omeife, said that
the rising cost of sand blocks demands natural search for alternatives.

Omeife said that houses built of mud blocks were conducive
for habitation, adding that such houses would not require ceiling neither fans
nor air conditioners for cooling.

Omeife said: “mud-based blocks naturally provide comfort
which cost millions of naira to acquire in houses built with sand blocks“.

According to him, the Federal Government should lead by
example and build its houses with mud-based blocks.

“Our elite should know that it does not undermine their
status to live in a house built from mud, “ he said.

Mr Elegbede Fadil, the Executive Secretary of Lagos Chapter
of NIOB, corroborated some view, insisting that mud-based blocks were more
durable and cheaper.

Fadil said that mud is readily available, durable and could
be used for many other objectives on site.

“Houses built from mud always stand the test of time.

“In the search for a cost-effective solution, mud-based
blocks are the alternative material,“ he stressed.