Muscat – Students of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (Higher College of Technology) in Muscat have innovated a mechanism to make cement from sewage waste.

The nine-member student team – T2C – won the Injaz Oman competition with the product. T2C claimed the award for the Best Student Company in Oman for 2021 and will represent the sultanate in the Injaz regional competition.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Ibtihal al Omairi, marketing manger in the company, said, “We thank Injaz Oman for the support. We are preparing for the upcoming regional competition and hope for success there.”

T2C started the project in September 2020. “The idea emerged from our interest and background in civil engineering since most of us in the company are pursuing civil engineering. We thought about the issues that the construction sector faces and came up with Shabk.”

The cement offers an environmental friendly alternative to regular construction products.

The biggest challenge T2C faced was working during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Many places closed down and most of the places we were dealing with didn’t allow more than two people to visit. Also, due to lockdowns, we couldn’t complete our project in time,” Ibtihal informed.

T2C has inked several agreements that provide the team technical and research support.

“The population is growing and the number of construction projects is increasing proportionately. Cement is the main requirement in all construction work. The growing number of construction projects is a healthy sign for the country but we must also take into account the health of the environment and cost and quality of construction for sustainable growth. And that is where our eco-friendly cement comes in,” Ibtihal said.

T2C is currently actively seeking out collaborators for commercial production of Shabk.