The performance of Rwanda’s construction sector could greatly improve following a move by three German organisations to build the capacity of sector players.

The partnership between the German Development Co-operation (GIZ), Strawtec Building Solutions and Fischer Architekten seeks to develop sustainable construction systems using Strawtec’s low carbon building panels and promote green building materials across the country.

The deal reached last week in Kigali will also support long-term training modules and the developing of assessment guidelines for the Workforce Development Agency and the Institution of Engineers Rwanda to strengthen their capacity to grow the industry as well as handle challenges therein.

"The partnership will address the country’s challenge of low cost-housing by developing a qualified workforce, including masons, electricians and plumbers, who will be able to use our building panels,” Eckardt Dauck, the Strawtec boss, told Business Times.

Dauck added that another component of the partnership will involve training of local farmers and operators of mechanisation centres to deliver the project’s objectives.

"The housing programmes planned by the Rwandan government depend on a broad approach to capacity building, for which an approved standard is a prerequisite. It’s for this reason that we have decided to come together and be part of the solution the country needs to deliver on these programmes,” Miriam Douiri, the GIZ technical advisor, said.

Meanwhile, Fischer Architekten, a Germany-based construction firm, is due to train Rwanda’s   architects, developers, engineers and city planners on holistic concepts and the practical applications and construction techniques for Strawtec solutions.

Strawtec’s resident agronomist will host group training sessions over the coming weeks on the required harvesting, baling and storage techniques for wheat straw, to enable farmers to deliver the primary raw material to Strawtec’s manufacturing plant in the Kigali Special Economic Zone.