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Cement makers told to monitor distributors

Jul, 04 2012

(Uganda)  --  Local cement manufacturers have been advised to register their distributors and agents to control the adulteration and under weighing of their product.

Dr. Ben Manyindo, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) acting executive director, said adulteration of cement is within the supply chain of the product from the gates of the manufacturers to the markets.

Manyindo was speaking during a media breakfast on cement adulteration organized by UNBS and the East Africa Cement Producers Association (EACPA) at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala last week.

He advised manufacturers to minimise the issuing of empty cement bags to distributers. “Site owners and developers should be part of the drive to combat the adulteration of cement by ensuring all the emptied cement bags are destroyed to avoid re-packing them with adulterated cement,” he said.

Brice Houeto from EACPA said the growing construction industry had resulted into high demand for cement, attracting unscrupulous dealers who mix the product with other ingredients.

The president of the Institute of Professional Engineers, Eng. Jackson Mubangizi, said many buildings collapse because of using substandard building materials.

He urged developers to employ professional builders who can guide them on better building materials.

The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) demanded the enactment of laws on substandard goods that will complement the counterfeit laws.

KACITA chairman Everest Kayondo said the counterfeit Bill only protects the manufacturers, adding that consumers also need to be protected from substandard goods.

By Samuel Balagadde
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