Retailers 'hoarding' cement
-charges ministry
Stabroek News
April 2, 2004
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is accusing some retailers of hoarding cement and selling it for $1,500 to $1,800 a sack.
Cement supplies are still low, as Trinidad Cement Limited(TCL) struggles to meet Guyana's needs and larger users stockpile to brace against any further shortages.
But the sales director at Gafoors explained that their company does not hoard cement and prices are nowhere near $1,500 to $1,800. The company did not have cement in stock yesterday.
Company officials from Toolsie Persaud Ltd., and Anral Investments Ltd. were unavailable for comment. Both companies also had no cement in stock. The ministry says more supplies are on the way and should be available in six to ten days.
Recently, the ministry suspended the common external tariff on extra-regional imports, opening the door for supplies from outside of the region. But it has yet to have any effect on the shortages in the country. Government officials have said the lack of cement has hindered major capital works like the completion of the New Amsterdam Hospital and set back the local construction industry.
Meanwhile, in a press release, the ministry notes that plywood prices have increased by 35% to 40%.
And it is encouraging the building industry to use sheet rock instead.
Bertrum Joseph, general foreman of Courtney Benn Contracting Services Ltd., noted that although 'sheet rock' is expensive "it is a nice material."
Joseph explained that the material is like concrete and comes ready-made like plywood. The material is suitable for bathroom and toilet areas.