Farmers queue for super-resistant fencing poles from waste

Flower farms, Kenya Wildlife Service, and even one honey farmer are now queuing to buy plastic fencing poles that are being made from waste, but which last for 50 years compared to an average 5 years for wooden poles.

The poles, made from molten plastic that is then moulded, are resistant to termite attacks, to rot caused by moisture retention, and to animal attacks. When nails and other fasteners are nailed into them, they don’t crack. And they also hold fasteners 40 per cent more effectively than conventional wooden poles.

The poles are also free of the chemical treatments used to preserve wooden poles, and which often pollute water in the surrounding area.

It’s a list of upgrades that is now seeing a rush of demand, with a supplier of the poles,

Global Bio-Energy Solutions in Kariobangi reporting that it is not now meeting the current demand. “Currently, there are clients asking for over 1000 poles,” said Charles Kalama, the company’s founder.

The poles are also fuelling a vibrant market chain for plastic junk that has been choking the city’s environment. The shredded plastic used at Global Bio Energy for making the poles costs Kalama Sh20 from the shredding company he sources from. The shredding companies get the plastic from the enormous Dandora dumpsite at a kilogram for Sh12.

Poles from Global Bio-Energy come in widths of 2 to 6 inches, either round or square, and at any length up to 10 feet. They can be moulded into different shapes and sizes suited for any use.

The cost of one plastic pole is Sh450 compared to a wooden pole, which normally costs from Sh200 to Sh250.  However, the lower costs of a wooden pole turn to out be expensive in the long run as “some need replacement in a year and targeted by people needing them for firewood,” said Kalama.

Global Bio Energy is located in the Kariobangi Light Industries area, contacts: 0725-351032

Written By James Karuga for African Laughter

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