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| Sunday, 11 July 2004 |
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Sand prices up once again by Chamitha Kuruppu Sand prices are most likely to go up once again due to the heavy rainfall,industry sources warned. Sand prices were stabilising during last week following government's decision to temporilly lift restrictions imposed on sand transportation. There will be a shortage of river sand due to the heavy rainfall. Therefore, the prices will once again increase if the rain continues, said Secretary of the National Construction Association Mahanama Jayamanne. A cube of sand that was priced between Rs. 6,000 - Rs. 7,000 during last month due to sand shortage was available for Rs. 3,000 last week after government lifted transport restrictions. "Although sand prices were stabilising -- it's higher than the original price," said Jayamanne. Before the shortage a cube of sand was priced at Rs. 2,500. According to Jayamanne the construction industry as well as individuals who are engaged in their own construction work are severely affected by the ongoing sand shortage. "The existing sand supply is not sufficient to meet the demand and the situation will get worse if the rain continues, he said. The construction industry officials met Premier Mahinda Rajapakse last month and submitted a set of proposals to overcome the current situation. A spokesman for the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka said that although the government's decision to lift restrictions had brought down sand prices -- the 'problem' would not be eased . Offshore mining is the only solution to this situation, said Jayamanne. According to him the Geological Survey and Mines Buraue (GSMB) has shortlisted three prospective companies to engage in offshore mining. The Land Reclamation and Development Company and two other private companies have been shortlisted by GSMB for offshore mining. These companies are most likely to commence mining by December this year, therefore by early next year sand prices will be stabilised, Jayamanne said. Sand supply to the market reduced significantly during last month when GSMB stopped issuing permits to transport sand. |
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