Cement: we are complying with SON standards- Northern block makers

By Etuka Sunday

 Block makers in the North said they are complying with the directive of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) on classification of cement grades and usages.

Piqued by the menace of collapse building in the country, SON had issued a directive that 52.5R be used for bridges, 42.5R be used for casting of columns, beams, slabs and making blocks, while the low grade 32.5MPA was restricted to plastering.

Dangote Cement Plc is the only company that produces the multipurpose 42.5R grade.

Speaking during a sensitization seminars organized by the Dangote Cement Plc, block makers in North said they have complied, as most of them now use 42.5R for making blocks.

Fielding questions from newsmen in Kaduna weekend, chairman of the Kaduna State Blocks and Concrete Makers Association Alhaji Hamza Haruna Gambo said all his members have comply with the SON directive on cement classification.

Alhaji Gambo who owns block making factories across the country said the directive was in national interest and that most of block makers in North now use Dangote 3X cement as it is the only cement with 42.5R grade which meets SON’s specification.

He warned those who have not comply to do so as his Association was desirous of supporting government in its effort to stamp out what he described as “senseless killing of innocent people” as a result of the phenomenon of collapse building in the country. “We’ve been using the

new improved cement for the past two months. Those of our members who will refuse to comply, we would deal with them according to our constitution,” he added.

He commended the Dangote Group for organizing the seminar across the country, saying it would add value to block making businesses and safety of Nigerians.

Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, Sales Regional Director of the Dangote Cement Plc Mr. Shola Alo said the seminar is aimed at sensitizing the block makers on the new directive of SON, as well as educate them on issues bordering on manufacturing, marketing, sales, cement usage; and

at the same time lend a helping hand and get a feedback.

Mr. Olaniyi Johnson, Regional Sales Director who handled the technical aspect of the training said the seminars across the North are paying off as they enable the end users to make right choices and at the same time avoid unethical practices in the application of cement.

The Dangote Cement Plc also supported the block makers, numbering about 300, with wheelbarrows, shovels, boots and handgloves.