Mini clay brick factory in Aishalton, South Rupununi, is empowering locals to earn via LCDS funding
THROUGH the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) funding, Aishalton Village, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has an operational mini brick factory.
The operation can produce thousands of clay bricks per day. The current size of bricks is five inches by 11 inches, with different sizes to be made available soon.
Anthony Francis, 50, a native of the community, told the Pepperpot Magazine that he feels empowered to have a steady job producing mini clay brick blocks, which cost between $50 to $60 per block.

He said the initiative to provide employment for villagers began three months ago with the Aishalton Village Council, which currently employs four locals at the mini clay brick factory.
Francis added that before the initiative materialised, he was a gold miner and would be away from his home and family for extended periods. Now, he can work in his village and spend quality time with his loved ones.

“I am happy to be employed and close to home because before this venture happened, I used to be away for a long time from my home and family,” he said.
He reported that the facility for mini clay brick-making is located in Central Aishalton and is under the guidance of the Village Council, which oversees operations.
The father of two pointed out that the operation is going well, except they need a canter truck or a tractor for transportation of the clay blocks. Once they receive orders, they need transportation to fulfil them.

Francis stated that most people use the mini clay brick blocks to construct their homes and usually buy them in bulk, so transportation is vital for the business operation.
He explained that the nearest town is Lethem, which is four hours away by road, since the village is remote. Transportation is an issue among residents, some of whom use motorcycles to get around.

“This facility is well accepted by me and my family and by the others who have gained employment through this venture, developed by the LCDS fund via the Aishalton Village Council,” he said.
LCDS Funding
Guyana’s LCDS 2030 involves the allocation of revenues from carbon credits to support sustainable development, including within the country’s hinterland villages, which are home to many Indigenous communities.

These villages can utilise their allocated funds for projects in agriculture, tourism, education, energy, and infrastructure, enabling them to prioritise initiatives that align with their local needs while contributing to national and global climate goals.

What is LCDS?
The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is Guyana’s plan to achieve a sustainable and non-polluting new growth trajectory.
It aims to value the ecosystem services of Guyana’s vast standing forests, which store a significant amount of carbon dioxide globally. The strategy outlines how Guyana can balance climate security, food security, and energy security while creating jobs in sustainable sectors.

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) provides funding and support for projects in Aishalton Village, including a brick factory, a solar mini-grid, and community infrastructure such as a kitchen and equipment for farmers.

These initiatives, funded through carbon credits, aim to promote sustainable economic development, enhance livelihoods, and improve public services in the village, aligning with the LCDS goals for climate security, food security, and equitable development in Guyana’s hinterland communities.
Among the key LCDS initiatives in Aishalton Village is the brick factory, established through LCDS funding. The facility is capable of producing thousands of clay bricks per day.