Members representing the committee alleged that all the abnormal increase in prices of steel and cement have led to a huge problem in the construction sector which is just recovering from the pandemic.
Coimbatore: Members of the Joint Action Committee of Coimbatore representing the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers, Builders association of India, Contractors Welfare Association, Coimbatore Builders and Contractors Association including CREDAI, COCENA, IIA, PMA to uphold protest against the increase in the prices of Steel and Cement.
Members representing the committee alleged that all the abnormal increase in prices of steel and cement have led to a huge problem in the construction sector which is just recovering from the pandemic.
Having been told to be the second largest sector in the country in terms of providing employment, the sector at present is a sorry state and that the schemes to provide housing for all by the state and central government may not get implemented because of undue increase in steel and cement prices.
Members addressed that the steel price has skyrocketed to 65,000 per tonne this year while it was just 35,000 rupees per tonne at the beginning of last year. However, a bag of cement which was at Rs.280 is now selling at Rs.420 per kg.
This has created an impact among the public as they are now forced to pay beyond their means to complete the construction of houses, adds the committee members.
Development projects are in the risk of coming to a grinding halt and that the builders and contractors, who are working with a thin margin, are unable to absorb the increase in costs any further and are therefore forced to pass on the increase to the customers, said the committee.
They also allege that this increase in prices are because of cartelisation by the industry. The committee have proposed to take on roads staging protests against the government for failing to address their needs.
Over 10,000 construction sector employees are expected to take part in the protest that is due to February 12th.