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Earlier this year, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) partnered with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to construct the South Africa’s first 3D-printed house.

The groundbreaking project was completed in a mere eight hours on the university campus, but we have yet to see the full 3D printed low-cost housing project come to fruition due to regulatory hurdles.

Known for its capability to fabricate physical objects from digital models, 3D printing technology has the potential to seriously transform South Africa’s housing crisis, and UJ have committed R6 million to the initiative.

So, we have the technology, then what’s the hold up?

It’s partly got to do with Agrément, an entity under the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. This organisation plays a vital role in verifying the fitness-for-purpose of construction-related products.

In order to adopt the 3D printing methods for the long haul, Agrément needs to give the green light with regards to comprehensive stress tests to assess resistance to fire, water penetration, acoustic properties, and structural soundness.

However, Dr Ntebo Ngcobo, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering Technology at UJ, has suggested that the pilot project could commence even without Agrément’s approval certificates.

The plan is for KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements to lead a pilot project, involving the construction of a community centre in the uMhlathuze Municipality district, before progressing to house construction.

However, unforeseen delays have postponed the launch, with Ngcobo lamenting, “We are already behind because KZN was saying, can we try and move around August, and we are now at the end of August.”

Sigh. It seems that SA’s governmental procedures stay lagging.

While waiting for the wheels of bureaucracy to turn, there are plans to construct more structures on UJ campus, providing students with opportunities to practice and experiment with the technology and different materials.

“I am hoping by this time next year we will have good news,” Ngcobo optimistically explained.

In classic South African style, many of the responses are variations on the comment: “You may need to check if that 3D printer can run on a generator”. Good point.

[source:news24]