Commoners too feel the heat, not builders alone

PRICE RISE OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

By our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, March 24: The skyrocketing prices of raw materials meant for construction activities have hit not only the real estate sector but commoners as well in Assam. An impression is out that the State government has no intent to check the soaring prices.

Going by the trend over the last two-three months, for example, the price of cement across all brands has increased by Rs 15 to Rs 30 per bag. The price of bricks has increased by Rs 1,000 per 2,500 bricks. Steel roofing sheets have witnessed a price rise by Rs 500 per bundle. While the price of iron roads has increased by Rs 500-700 per quintal, that of stone chips has gone up by Rs 500-1,000 per 2 CM. When it comes to sand, the rise is by Rs 1,000 per 6 CM. Even the price of ils has seen an increase by Rs 20-25 per kg.

Despite demands by various groups that the government should rein in the prices going through the roof, nothing is visible on the ground. In fact, some local cement companies had been warned by the government not to effect any increase in the prices of their brands, but the companies have not relented.

Talking to The Sentinel, Assam Real Estate and Infrastructure Developers Association (AREIDA) president PK Sarma said, “Over the last one year, the prices of construction raw materials have been showing an upward trend, which is going unchecked. Both builders and common people have suffered due to this. This has also hit government construction activities, such as those for Prime Minister’s Aawaas Yoja. Construction of government hospital buildings has also been affected.”

Since already the prices of essential commodities have gone up rapidly in recent times with no signs of any downward spiral, the unimpeded hike in the prices of construction raw materials has left people wondering whether they can even imagine of building a house, which is highly unfortute. If this continues, it can wreak havoc on the lives of people for no fault of theirs. Can one expect of the government something tangible to break the trend and come to the rescue of the affected lot?