Block, concrete makers bemoan continuous rise in cement price

Enugu State chapter of the Block and Concrete Producers Association has condemned the continuous increase in the price of cement and other materials used for production.

In an interview on Saturday, Paulinus Ukaegbu, the state president of the association, said hike in cost of cement and sand had become a source of deep concern for the producers.

He disclosed that the surging inflation and continuous rise of cement prices was negatively affecting the production output of their members and their income

“The challenge we have is the cost of cement and even sand. Everything is now costly,” said  Ukaegbu

“Before one can sell at least 3,000 to 5,000 blocks in a month but now, before you sell 1,000 blocks, it is very difficult.

“The cost of cement in Enugu as of now is N4,550. Some people are selling for N5,000,” he said.

He urged the federal government to intervene in the situation, especially by granting more licenses to produce cement.

Ukaegu said this would crash cement prices in the market because the current atronghold on the industry by few players will crumble.

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While admitting that the current cement brands were good products, Mr Ukaegbu accused them of increasing the prices of their cement without considering its effect on the association and builders.

“We always use Dangote cement, mainly Block Master. If we do not see Block Master, we use 3X.

“During the time of Ibeto Cement, the price was down. After the company stopped cement business, the price of every type of cement went up,” he noted.