A COMMUNITY-driven block-making factory in Mashabo, Region Two, is helping to strengthen the village economy by creating jobs, generating income and meeting the growing demand for quality construction materials.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Mashabo Village Council, has been operational for about two weeks and is already making a tangible impact on residents.

The facility produces blocks for use within the community while supplying contractors undertaking major development projects.

Toshao of Mashabo, Giddel Abrams, said the factory has already supplied more than 1,500 blocks to contractors working on the community’s bio-health post.

The initiative is also reducing the transportation costs residents would otherwise incur to source construction materials from outside the community, while keeping economic activity within Mashabo.

For block maker, Parmanand Sewcharran, the project represents an important employment opportunity. He produces approximately 250 blocks daily, with his output sometimes exceeding 300.

The quality of the locally produced blocks is also earning contractors’ confidence.

One contractor described them as “healthy blocks” and said they compare favourably with blocks sourced elsewhere.

Beyond the numbers, the factory is putting income directly into residents’ hands and creating opportunities for families to benefit from economic activity within their own community.

The Mashabo block-making initiative demonstrates how village-based investments can transform local resources and labour into sustainable economic opportunities, while supporting the infrastructure development taking place in the community.

With demand expected to grow as construction expands, the facility is positioning Mashabo residents as beneficiaries of development and active participants in driving the village’s economic progress. (DPI)