Bahrain supply problems persist
Bahrain’s construction industry is still experiencing supplies that are too limited to meet demand.
Contractors and ready-mix concrete companies have welcomed government moves to import cement and other construction materials from around the world.
But they say supply must be "consistent and assured" for the long-term.
At least one ready-mix company has ordered its own shipment from Pakistan, which is expected to arrive in a few weeks.
Contractors and ready-mix companies say cement of a particular quality must be maintained throughout construction projects.
"This is essential to maintain quality and consistency on a project and avoid technical difficulties and complications," said Nass Group vice-chairman Samir Nass, one of the country’s biggest contractors.
"Any construction material, particularly cement, coming in from anywhere is welcome, but it should happen only if importers are sure they will have regular supplies for a long period of time.
"When a project is started with a particular brand of cement, it has to be completed with that, otherwise there could be serious problems."
He said the industry was still in crisis, despite the resumption of supplies from Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
"We are limping back to normal and hope it will be okay in a few more weeks’ time, said Mr Nass.
He said only about 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the industry’s daily need of 8000- 10,000t was coming in at the moment.
"Supplies have re-started but not to the extent that we want," said Mr Nass.
He said these had to pick up in the days to come, for the contractors to clear the backlog.
Delmon Precast general manager Jon Mottram confirmed the supplies were back on, but said they were not sufficient.
"We are back at work, though not on full capacity yet. I hope we start getting enough in the next few days," he said.
Mr Mottram said the industry was getting only about 25,000t per week, when the requirement is in excess of 40,000t.
Published under Cement News
