"By allocating unused land to factory workers for personal cultivation and introducing simple technologies like charcoal water filtration systems, we're not just transforming a brick factory; we're empowering lives, one small change at a time."
At New Rivers Enterprises, we are dedicated to making slavery obsolete. We understand that achieving such an ambitious goal requires a mix of both large-scale initiatives and smaller, impactful solutions. This blog focuses on the latter - the small changes that can make a big difference.
The Context: Brick Manufacturing in Pakistan
The brick manufacturing industry in Pakistan is heavily reliant on slave labour, with an estimated 4.5 million people working as slaves in around 10,000 brick factories in the Punjab State. Our plan, detailed in "Disrupting the Supply and Demand of Slavery - Part 2," aims to provide profitable alternatives to slave labour. While large-scale solutions are crucial, the transformation of even one brick factor can significantly impact workers and their families.
Simple, Life-Changing Improvements
Agricultural Production:
Many brick factories have unused land. By allocating this land to factory workers for personal cultivation, we can empower them to grow their own food and potentially generate additional income. This communal approach to agriculture can significantly improve their nutrition and financial stability.
Improving Working Conditions:
Excessive heat exposure during brick production poses a health risk. By implementing simple solutions like portable sun-protection (such as tarps), we can create safer and more humane working conditions for the labourers.
Clean Water Access:
Access to clean drinking water is a critical issue in many brick factories, particularly those in rural areas without proper water infrastructure. Workers often rely on untreated water sources for both industrial processes and personal consumption, leading to a high incidence of water-borne diseases and chronic health issues. The labour-intensive nature of brick production, compounded by the sweltering heat, exacerbates the need for safe drinking water.
New Rivers is committed to addressing this challenge head-one. We plan to install simple, yet effective, charcoal water filtration systems, such as Biosand filters, which are known for their efficiency and sustainability. These filters can dramatically improve the quality of water available to the workers, ensuring it is safe for drinking and cooking. Not only does this lead to better health outcomes for the factory workers and their families, but it also enhances their overall well-being and productivity.
By providing these filtration systems, we aim to create a healthier work environment, reduce the frequency of illness, and improve the quality of life for workers. This intervention is a crucial step in our holistic approach to transforming the working conditions in brick factories, making a substantial difference int he lives of those who have been marginalised in these industries.
Impact and Investment Opportunity
These small changes have a profound impact on the lives of those working in the brick factories we purchase. With an investment of as little as $300,000 AUD, a factory can be purchased and transformed by incorporating these improvements. For more information on how you can invest with New Rivers, follow this link. We look forward to having you join us.
Case Study: Brick Factories in Pakistan
In Lahore's brick factories, which rely heavily on slave labour, only 50% of bricks produced are top grade, due to inefficiencies. Simple improvements like providing clean drinking water and enhancing production processes can significantly increase profitability, even without slave labour.
Your Ideas Matter
We're constantly seeking new ways to improve the working conditions in these factories. If you have ideas on how to make both large and small improvements, please share them with us here. Your input is valuable as we strive to make a positive change in the lives of those affected by slavery in brick factories and beyond.
Join Our Mission:
Discover how you can be part of this transformative journey and help disrupt the supply and demand of slavery. Follow this link to learn more and join other investors.
Or start the conversation by emailing us at info.newrivers@gmail.com
Pictured: Manfred, Michelle (centre) and the New Rivers Team
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