Strengthening community resilience through safe housing in Nepal

Nepal is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, yet more than half of all buildings do not meet safe construction standards. Together with Build Up Nepal, Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE) works to improve access to safe, affordable housing while strengthening local livelihoods.

 

Local partnerships driving impact

Build Up Nepal was established after the 2015 earthquake, which caused over 9,000 deaths and widespread destruction. Since 2016, EWB-SWE and Build Up Nepal have collaborated to support rural entrepreneurs in producing eco-friendly bricks and developing micro-construction businesses.

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Our shared work focuses on improving brick-making technology, training operators, and enabling local production of affordable housing materials in remote regions of Nepal.

Improving brick production and local industry

Many entrepreneurs work in hard-to-reach mountain areas where access to tools, spare parts, and technical support is limited. To address this, we support the development of robust, easy-to-maintain brick-making machines and provides remote and on-site engineering assistance.

Key developments include:

  • Improved double mould machines: redesigned for better ergonomics, reduced cycle time, and easier single-person operation

  • Upgraded hydraulic machines: new mould systems enabling multiple brick shapes and more diverse production

  • Low-cost mixer prototype: designed to improve raw material consistency, reduce manual labour, and increase brick quality

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Remote collaboration and knowledge sharing

During and after COVID-19 travel restrictions, the partnership developed effective remote engineering support, including CAD-based design collaboration and technical training. This approach also supported the gradual transfer of production capacity to Nepal, creating more local jobs.

Building a sustainable future

With rising unemployment and increased demand in Nepal’s brick industry, the initiative supports a “green recovery” by combining safe housing, local entrepreneurship, and sustainable production systems. EWB-SWE continues to work with Build Up Nepal to improve material quality control and strengthen long-term resilience in the sector.

 

Project Partner

Build Up Nepal
Build Up Nepal  is a social business dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and communities to build safe, affordable homes, and resilient incomes.

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Contact person:
Susanne Hurtig
international.projects@ewb-swe.org

 
 
 

Location:
Nepal

 
 
 

Partner:
Build Up Nepal