Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- earthen / ˈɜr θən / (adj.) – relating to something made of soil or clay
Example:There are still people who cook in earthen pots instead of steel pots.
- rudimentary / ˌru dəˈmɛn tə ri / (adj.) – very basic and not advanced
Example:They couldn’t fix the roof properly with such rudimentary equipment.
- compact / kəmˈpækt / (v.) – to press and pack something tightly together so it becomes more solid and firm
Example:The soil was compacted to make a strong floor base.
- sealant / ˈsi lənt / (n.) – a material used to block or close small gaps or surfaces, often to keep water or air, from entering
Example:They used sealant to fix the holes in the roof so that water would not get in.
- hygienic / haɪ ˈdʒen ɪk / (adj.) – clean and healthy; done in a way that prevents disease or illness
Example:Ever since the pandemic, most people have been more hygienic by washing their hands more often.
Article
Read the text below.
A cheap, eco-friendly flooring system is helping to improve health and bring down construction costs in Uganda. The clay-based earthen floors use local earth instead of cement, helping to reduce carbon emissions, and when replacing traditional mud floors, help reduce dust as well as disease-causing pests.
The Ugandan company racing to install it is EarthEnable, which specializes in this sustainable, affordable system. The flooring is a better option than more rudimentary materials used by those living in poverty, which tend to attract a lot of dust and pests that can damage health.
“In the villages, people use cow dung to maybe take away the dust, but within the shortest time, like in two days, you see that the dust has come. And basically, this floor will help that person come out of the dust,” explains Alex Wanda, a construction officer at EarthEnable.
The raw components are easily available, even here in Jinja, which is 130 kilometers from the capital Kampala. All they need to do is dig the murram, which makes up the majority of the flooring and is right there. It’s mixed with sand and water and then compacted. Then it’s left to dry out for two weeks before more material is applied, and it’s topped off with a sealant made from clay and varnish.
It is cheaper and responsible for far fewer carbon emissions than cement flooring.
“For the cement floor, it is expensive. Why? The client will have to buy cement, will have to buy the gravel, will also have to buy sand and in big quantities, and all that is money, vis-a-vis earthen floor. For us, we need only murram, and you find out that the client doesn’t feel like maybe you are oppressing him. It’s very easy. He directs you where the murram is, you dig it and bring it to the site, and you start construction,” says Wanda.
EarthEnable says their flooring system is also more hygienic—it’s easier to keep homes clean and pests out.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- In Uganda, a company is creating clay-based floors that cost less and improve health compared to traditional or cement floors. How important is it for homes to protect the health of the people living in them? What could happen if homes do not consider health? In your country, do you think houses and apartments protect people’s health? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Do you think the kind of home a person lives in can affect their happiness and daily life? Why or why not? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Earthen clay floors use materials that are easily found in the local area. What are the advantages of using materials from your local area? What are some disadvantages of using local materials? Discuss.
- Would you prefer your home to be built using only local materials, or would you be open to using materials from other places? Why? What factors would help you decide (ex. price, quality)? Discuss.
