Grittily cementing a future in the construction industry

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

PERSEVERANCE: Far away in Vavuniya District K. C. Swarneraj tries to develop his business amid several obstacles. He has been involved in the construction industry since 1982. While continuing his career as a constructor he started his own business of cement related products.

"I was in Jaffna then I moved to Vavuniya because materials were more accessible. In the construction industry, burnt bricks were used very often. After realizing that cement blocks are more durable I started making cement blocks and cement related products," Swarneraj said.

He said that the clay used for burnt bricks is dug from reservoirs. "For cement blocks sand, cement and water are used. There is full transparency and there is a good finish in cement blocks," he said.

Swarneraj runs his factory in his garden. "When someone places the order I supply. New technology is entering the construction industry. Finding employees is difficult thus business is staggering. Business for Peace Alliance(BPA) breaks that condition. They support to transport the materials together with the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka, Northern Branch," he explained.

"In 1992 basic infrastructure is neglected. Maintenance was not looked into. The bad state of the roads, electricity and water systems are the main problems . If these issues are addressed business can be grow in the area," Swarneraj said.

He added that cement blocks are moulded by hand. "If they specify hollow blocks I use machines. I own machines to make these blocks. The housing projects that took off in 1992 brought several benefits. Our business and the construction industry was flourishing. It was a growing industry then but now it has reduced. We supply our products with difficulty," he said.

Swarneraj does cement related products mostly for his constructions. "I get outside orders too but mostly I make blocks for my constructions. I also make fence posts for barbed wire and balustrades. My work depends on the requirement. Labour is the major obstacle in my business," he said.

Around thirty people are employed under Swarneraj including those who are involved in delivery and transport.

He said that 120 to 150 people can be employed directly in supplying sand and cement. "It is difficult to employ this amount because business is restricted to 15 to 20 kilo meters. At present there are a lot of people involved in this business although there are obstacles," he added.

"I hope to increase the production and to get the SLS certification. At the moment I'm doing a two-storeyed, multi purpose building for Nelliady Madya Maha Vidyalaya worth rupees 17 million. With the help of BPA the materials can be sent across the peninsular," he explained.

Swarneraj tries to revive the industry amidst these barriers. He said that around 300,000 people are affected by the collapse of the industry. "Private sectors were doing several constructions. But now it has come to a standstill. Most of the constructors are leaving the industry because there are no prospects.

Many industries are not functioning. It is difficult for us to come to Colombo but it can be sold in nearby places. I hope to expand my business in the future," he said.