Manufacturers of construction materials like corrugated roofing sheets, bricks, cement, steel and aggregates have vowed to not raise price of their products.

Speaking at a discussion held at the Ministry of Industry (MoI) on Friday, they said they would ensure effective supply of construction materials at the price fixed before the earthquake of April 25.

"We express commitment to not raise price of cement," Dhruba Thapa, president of Nepal Cement Producers' Association said. "Change in the value of dollar, however, can alter the price."Meanwhile, Thapa urged the government to ensure 24-hour power supply to companies manufacturing construction materials, including cement, so that they can operate to their full capacity. "Increase in production directly affects price as well as supply of the products," he added. Thapa also urged the government to lift ban on construction of new buildings.

The government has put a ban on construction of new buildings after the earthquake of April 25.

Tej Bahadur Chand, first vice president of Federation of Brick Entrepreneurs echoed Thapa and said domestic brick manufacturers have the capacity to supply bricks as per the demand. He, however, said that that government should create favorable environment so that construction industries can operate to their full efficiency.

Speaking at the program, Hari Bhakta Sharma, vice president of Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), said that government should do the needful to ensure quality of construction materials.

Addressing the program, Industry Minister Mahesh Basnet urged the private sector to coordinate with government agencies in reconstruction process and ensure smooth supply of construction materials. "The commitment made by the private sector to increase production, supply and ensure consistency in price of construction materials is encouraging," Basnet said, adding that the government will take strong action against those over-charging people for construction materials.

Stating that reconstruction of damaged houses and cultural heritage sites will begin soon, Basnet urged manufacturers to increase production so that there will not be shortage of construction materials.

source: republica,5 june 2015