his study investigated the feasibility of developing a low cost alternative roof tile from a combination of mining, industrial and commercial waste material. The motivation for this study came from the high cost of roof covering materials that significantly contribute to the cost of building construction. This led to identifying waste materials in the environment that were widely and readily available for recycling. The study concluded that it was feasible to develop a roof covering tile from a combination of mining and commercial waste through rigorous laboratory test experiments. An estimate of the probable cost of the developed tiles was made and found to represent up to 81{d109a564b5af1069e15ea8bc524cfa1dbeb8a016430020a6fc53ea8abd8ad77b} and 41{d109a564b5af1069e15ea8bc524cfa1dbeb8a016430020a6fc53ea8abd8ad77b} cost savings when compared to concrete tiles and steel roofing materials respectively on the market. Results showed that at an estimated production of 2 million tiles/year up, to 2.6 million tonnes of waste can be used per year, thus preventing the pollution of streams and reducing landfills.

Exhibiting the tiles at the PARCA/EIZ in LusakaNovember 2016

Dr Muleya (Right) Exhibiting the tiles at the PARCA/EIZ in Lusaka Professor Mbale (Director Research at CBU in the middle) with Mrs Gezile Chalwe from School of Mathematics and Natural sciences (CBU).