By SIMON MUNTEMBA
THE reduction of cement by between 5-10 percent by Lafarge Zambia PLC will revive the construction industry and there is need for other producers in the country to follow suit, a local construction company, Builders Village Limited has said.
Builders Village Limited chief engineer Sam Sichilalu who welcomed the slashing of cement prices which previously cost between K140 and K145 per 50 kilogram pocket said the move would promote the construction sector but also lead to job creation. Dr Sichilalu’s remarks come after Lafarge Zambia PLC announced the reduction in the price of cement between 5-10 percent.
According to a statement by the company’s public relations department, the decision to reduce the price is attributed to the recent appreciation of the Kwacha against major currencies as well as the positive outlook of national economic growth. In an interview, Dr Sichilalu said the reduced price of cement would make construction cheaper because even the blocks used were made of cement. He explained that the economic activities in the construction sector would improve leading to the creation of more jobs. “Basically, it is a welcome move by Lafarge to cut the price of cement because technically, the major cost of construction borders on cement. So, that five to ten percent cut translate in actual cost serving in terms of the total bill of quantity by almost three percent,” Dr Sichilalu said. He added, “We will also see an increase in the con[1]struction sector that will lead to more employment. Like here at Builders Village Limited we employed more than 200 direct and indirect workers and we expect to employ more with the reduction of cement prices.” He said with the development, people with low income, including those that had their projects stalled shall now manage to build and finish their projects. Dr Sichilalu said the reduction of prices would not only have a positive impact in building houses but also lead to cheap road and drainage construction works.
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