UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Do-nou technology is revolutionising rural access roads in Uganda, making it possible to maintain them for up to five years if the correct kind of traffic utilises the route.
The term “Do-nou” comes from the Japanese word for enclosing soil in a gunny bag. The technology is based on filling gunny bags with either sand, farm soil, gravel, or murram, and then compacting or rolling the material to create a smooth surface for easy travel.
The Do-nou Project in Uganda
The Community Road Empowerment (CORE) initiative, a three-year project, gave rise to the Do-nou technology in Uganda.
The initiative was designed to enable local communities to take an active role in self-sustaining development projects, including maintaining their roads using local resources and technology.
Engineer Samson Mukiibi of CORE claims that the technology has enhanced transportation in the regions where they worked in the initial phase and has urged the government to embrace it.
The Benefits of Do-nou Technology
Lawrence Luta, one of the Do-nou project’s engineers, claims that the method works best in swampy and sloppy areas, and the road can take up to three years without repair, regardless of weather conditions.
The technology is also labour-intensive, more affordable, and practical, according to Engineer Samson Mukiibi.
He states that a kilometre of Do-nou-built road costs around 50 million shillings, compared to USh80 million when using conventional techniques.
Moreover, the 450 mm by 600 mm-sized bags used in the technology is made locally.
The Success of the Do-nou Technology in Uganda
The second phase of the Do-nou project was carried out in the districts of Kasese, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, and Kyenjojo from February 2020 to January 2021.
The goal of the initiative was to provide localities with the knowledge and tools they need to actively engage in self-sustaining development projects for the upkeep of their roadways.
The technology has enhanced transportation in the regions where it has been utilized, making it easier for people to travel to and from work, school, and other essential destinations.
Do-nou Technology Adaptation in Africa
The Do-nou technology has been used in 25 additional African nations, including Kenya, Rwanda, the Gambia, and Myanmar.
It has also been used to build walkways in flooded regions, culvert and bridge construction, road maintenance, dam embankments, building foundations, and retaining walls.
The versatility and affordability of the technology make it an excellent option for regions that lack the resources to build and maintain conventional road networks.
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