NCCASL ready for construction boom

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

The National Chamber of Construction is ready to face another construction boom with the end of the war shortly, Chairman, National Chamber of Construction (NCCASL) Rohan Karunaratne told Daily News Business.

There are 1.2 million people involved in the industry and three million people depend on them.

He said that the demand for construction projects has dropped considerably in the past six months compared to 2007 and 2008. The total value of construction work performed in the country in 2007 was Rs. 250-300 billion at a 15 percent growth rate.

But global recession has made a great impact on the industry and it is necessary to have patience and get ready for the next challenge with the end of the war. He hoped that things will get off the ground in six months where a lot of employment opportunities would be created.

Karunaratne said that there are 1.2 million people involved in the industry and three million people depend on them.

Another ten thousand people who worked abroad have also returned to Sri Lanka due to job losses but it is very unlikely that this number will increase, he said. Referring to the prices of raw material and labour charges, he said that steel prices have come down by 40 percent.

Labour charges have come down from Rs 600 to Rs 500 per day. Although massive construction projects have slowed down work, there are employment opportunities in small projects such as individual house building.

Therefore, it is not difficult for them to survive for some time. However, the NCCASL has advised their 3,000 contractors in the country not to reduce prices for the sake of undertaking the project which will create many problems.

The NCCASL is conducting training programs to improve productivity of various sections at their three training schools at the ACTA in Colombo, Payagala and Ampara.

At present 200 students are following supervisory level courses in Colombo and craftsmen training courses at the other two training centres.

Some industrialists have sponsored students with the assurance of employment after the training period is completed. The NCCASL has assured employment for those who qualify at their examinations.