By Dibesh Dangol
The importance of strong foundations cannot be overstated. Chiefly after the 2015 earthquake, the propensity of Nepalis has been towards solid foundation, quality materials and proper engineering. Currently, the majority of construction work is being done using the domestically produced cement. But how did the cement business start in Nepal? From the early 1950s, cement became an effective construction material in Nepal. At that time, people had to rely on imported cement majorly from India and other countries in East Asia. After the establishment of the first cement factory - Himal Cement Factory - in 1975, cement business started in Nepal.
Though technologies have been improved, general customers aren’t well informed about cement. Research shows that they are not familiar with what they should look for when buying cement.
According to Keshab Aryal, Sr. Brand Manager at Shivam Cement, “Whenever a customer goes to buy cement, they usually go with the brand name, engineer’s choice or reference through other people which is completely wrong. The customer should know the chemical properties and physical strength of the cement before choosing it. They should know the amount of chemical properties needed in the cement as per the construction subject, whether it is for housing, or infrastructure like roads, bridges, etc., and the load capacity or physical strength of the cement.”
“In any cement, consistency is important, which means technically the structure is strong and of high quality. Many of the cements in the market are inconsistent. Maruti Cement thrives because of its consistent nature. Rather than popular brand names, people should really test the quality of cement and then choose a brand,” says Razu Shrestha, Brand Manager at Maruti Cement.
Three years after the earthquake, there have been multiple activities in terms of reconstruction and new construction. The cement industry is experiencing a substantial boom, both in production and business.
“The cement business will always grow whether it’s reconstruction of housing and infrastructure after the earthquake or the establishment of new houses and infrastructure. However, it is not only the cement business which is doing well, other construction materials like steel, rod, bricks and alternative material businesses are also profiting,” says Aryal.
Although cement and other construction material businesses are thriving, there are intermittent speed-breakers. Availability of power or electricity is the main challenge for any construction industry in Nepal. Industries aren’t supplied with the amount of electricity needed to run to its full capacity. There are also problems related to local level obstacles and road transportation.When local people, those living around the periphery of the factory, become unsatisfied with the offerings of the company, local level problems arise affecting operations.
“The government, to some extent, is already assisting the construction industry. The power problem might take 2-5 years to be completely solved as many new hydropower projects are being established mainly concentrated on industrialisation. Now, the government needs to solve other problems also such as developing proper transportation structure, good roadways and appropriate policies to tackle local level problems faced by industries,” stresses Aryal.
Apart from the cement grading issue and need for public awareness on the right cement for the right type of construction, Shrestha states that local problems are highly affecting the cement industry. “Since the road transportation is not good in areas, locals protest against the company and often factories have to be shut down until the problem is solved.”
We cannot discuss cement without addressing environmental factors. Neglecting environmental issues, the Himal Cement Factory shut down in 2002. According to reports, Himal Cement was allegedly contributing to 50% of the air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley.
The later established cement factories took note and introduced new eco-friendly technologies. Along with advanced technologies, cement factories have also been involved in Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) to help the locality and people living around their factories.
“At the Shivam Cement factory, the latest German technology machinery is being used, emission of harmful chemicals and dust is very low as the machine itself traps and doesn’t let such chemicals and dust to spread much into the environment,” says Aryal. He continues, “But we are continually setting up afforestation programs in Makwanpur district where our factory is established. Besides environmental issues, Shivam Cement is also involved in various CSR activities. We have technical service vans which offer consultancy services. We have provided ambulance services in the district, and are continually organising awareness programs in schools.”
