In the northern city of Lichinga, Mozambique, where the red clay earth stretches out beneath the endless blue sky, Hilário Xavier is a fortifying presence. He stands in the dry heat of the mid-afternoon sun, surveying the factory, brow furrowed in contemplation. His construction company, Nucca, is a symbol of progress in a region that has long adhered to traditional building materials.

Hilário’s journey began modestly, with a small team of just five workers. Today, his company employs sixteen dedicated people, a testament to his vision and the growing demand for quality construction. Nucca’s success lies in its use of hydraform blocks – a material that Hilário believes could revolutionize local construction.

“I started Nucca with the aim of providing our city and province with more consistent and quality materials,” Hilário explains.

His commitment to this goal is evident in every aspect of his work. Hydraform blocks, produced with a mix of local soil and just 10% cement, are at the core of his innovation. These blocks are cost-effective and also offer superior thermal insulation and seismic resilience, making them an ideal choice for the region’s climate and environmental conditions.

Despite the advantages, introducing hydraform blocks to the market has been challenging. The local population is accustomed to traditional concrete blocks and is hesitant to embrace the new material. Hilário acknowledges this challenge.

“The hydraform block market is still very weak because people don’t know about it and lack the experience of building with it.”

To overcome this, Hilário and his team have been working to educate the community about the benefits of hydraform blocks. They have demonstrated their effectiveness through various construction projects, showing that these blocks can be both affordable and durable. “We believe that construction with hydraform blocks costs approximately 30% less than with cement blocks,” he asserts.

Hilário’s optimism about the future is palpable. He envisions a time when hydraform blocks will become the standard in Mozambique’s construction industry. “It’s possible! This block is already being recognized as one of the most promising materials,” he says with conviction. His belief in the potential of hydraform blocks is, ultimately, about creating a sustainable future for his community.

As he walks through the bustling production site, where machines hum and workers assemble blocks one by one, Hilário’s pride is evident. The hydraform machine, a yellow South African model purchased in 2017 and operational since 2018, is a source of pride.

“We can produce 2,000 blocks a day,” he notes, showcasing the efficiency of the process.

Hilário’s vision extends beyond the machine, beyond mere numbers. He dreams of a future where hydraform blocks are used in major infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, and government offices. “To further develop this construction, we need more projects like these,” he explains.

In the face of challenges, Hilário Xavier remains steadfast. His work is a blend of passion and practicality, driven by a deep desire to improve his community and the environment. Through his innovative approach and unwavering dedication, Hilário is laying the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future for Mozambique.

In the quiet moments of reflection, as the sun sets over Lichinga, Hilário gazes at the horizon with hope. The path to widespread adoption of hydraform blocks may be long, but his commitment to transforming the construction industry and his community’s future remains unshakable.