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Reason Africans Should Not Buy Cement In Bulk
In construction of building projects, the procurement of materials plays a crucial role in ensuring the success and longevity of the endeavor. Cement, a fundamental component in building structures, is often purchased in bulk to streamline operations and reduce costs. However, there are significant drawbacks to this approach that warrant careful consideration.
Here are two compelling reasons why buying cement in bulk may not be the most prudent decision:
Expiry Date and Hardening
Unlike fine wine, cement does not improve with age. In fact, it has an expiry date and tends to harden over time, rendering it less effective for use in construction.
By purchasing cement in bulk, there is a risk of it sitting unused for extended periods, ultimately diminishing its quality and usability. This can lead to wasted resources and compromised structural integrity if expired or hardened cement is unwittingly incorporated into the building process.
Vulnerability to Theft and Misuse
Cement has a notorious reputation for growing “legs” on construction sites, metaphorically speaking. In other words, it is prone to theft or unauthorized use, often referred to as the builder’s ATM (Automated Teller Machine). When stored in large quantities, cement becomes a tempting target for pilferage, potentially resulting in financial losses for the project. Additionally, unmonitored access to bulk cement can lead to excessive usage or misallocation, further exacerbating budgetary concerns.
Given these challenges, it is advisable to adopt a more strategic approach to cement procurement:
Purchase Only What You Need:
Instead of buying cement in bulk, assess the immediate requirements of your project and procure accordingly. By avoiding excessive stockpiling, you can minimize the risk of wastage and ensure that the cement remains fresh and usable.
Maintain Vigilance and Oversight
Keep a vigilant eye on the storage and usage of cement on the construction site. Implement security measures to deter theft and unauthorized access, such as locked storage containers or surveillance cameras. Additionally, designate responsible individuals to monitor inventory levels and track cement usage to prevent misuse or pilferage.
As the allure of bulk purchasing may seem appealing from a cost-saving perspective, the inherent risks associated with expired or pilfered cement outweigh the potential benefits. By prioritizing timely procurement and diligent oversight, construction professionals can safeguard both the integrity of their projects and the efficiency of their resources. Remember, when it comes to cement, quality and accountability are paramount.
“Conversion to CNG May Have Contributed to Deadly Inferno”
A devastating road accident occurred on [date] at G-Hostel Junction, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, leaving multiple lives lost. An 18-seater bus caught fire, resulting in the tragic loss of passengers.
According to eyewitnesses, the bus driver had recently converted the vehicle’s fuel system from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). While the exact cause of the accident is still unknown, concerns are being raised about potential safety risks associated with the CNG conversion.
The accident resulted in the deaths of all passengers on board, with bodies burnt beyond recognition. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many offering condolences to the families of the victims.
Authorities have commenced an investigation into the accident to determine its cause and whether the CNG conversion played a role in the tragedy. The public is urged to remain vigilant and cautious when traveling.
Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time. May their souls rest in peace.
The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command has said it’s operatives were still investigating the alleged murder of Miss Priscilla Ocheme by her boyfriend, Ekosuehi Elvis, also known as Richard at his residence in Lugbe.
The command made the disclosure, while reacting to publications circulating on social media concerning the alleged murder incident and claims that justice may be swept under the carpet.
The Police said: “The suspect was invited for questioning by operatives of the FCT Police on September 24, 2024.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, Ekisuehi Elvis, a 30-year-old man from Oredo, Benin in Edo State, met the now deceased Priscilla at Madonna University.
“He lost contact with her when he left the university until 2019 when he came to the FCT for his youth service.
“He was a well-known family friend who frequently visited the deceased at her family home, just as she visited his.
“On September 22, 2024, she had a minor misunderstanding with her mother, which led her to leave her family home in the Karu area and go to Ekosuehi’s residence to cool off.”
“She eventually left his residence later that evening and was on her way home when she was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident at the Amala Moore junction in Pyakasa.
“They rushed her to Pyakasa Health Centre for medical attention, after which she was referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, accompanied by two police detectives.
“Upon arrival at the medical centre, she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.”
The price of a bag (50 kg) local rice rose year-on-year, YoY, by 152.9 percent to N95,738 in September 2024 from N37,853 in September 2023.
According to vanguard news, data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, ‘Selected Food Price Watch’ for September 2024 showed that the price of 1 kilogram (Kg) of local rice stood at N1,914.77 during the period.
The report also showed that the price of beans recorded higher growth rate at over 200 percent, YoY.
The NBS report stated: “The average price of 1kg Local rice sold loose went up by 152.92 percent on a year-on-year basis from N757.06 in September 2023 to N1,914.77 in September 2024, while there was an increase of 4.57 percent on a month-on-month basis.
“Also, the average price of 1kg of beef boneless increased by 99.99 percent on a year-on-year basis from N2,816.91 in September 2023 to N5,633.60 in September 2024.
“On a month-on-month basis, it increased by 1.44 percent from N5,553.80 in August 2024. The average price of 1kg beans brown (sold loose) stood at N2,738.59. This indicates a rise of 281.97% in price on a year-on-year basis from N716.97 recorded in September 2023 and a 6.37 percent rise in price on a month-on-month basis from N2,574.63 in August 2024.
“Agric eggs medium size (12 piece) experienced significant price increases year on year by N137.43 percent from N1,047.47 in September of last year (2023) to N2,487.04 in September 2024.
“On a month-on-month basis, the average price of this item rose by 8.64 prices from N 2,289.19 in August 2024. There was also a notable price increase of bread (sliced) by 115.74 percent on a year-on-year basis from N708.36 in September 2023 to N1,528.19 in September 2024.
“On a month-on-month basis, it increased by 4.68 percent from N 1,459.85 in August 2024. The state profile analysis in September 2024 revealed that the highest average price of 1kg of Bean Brown (sold loose) was recorded in Bauchi at N3,450.04 while the lowest was in Adamawa state at N1,800.”
Giving the breakdown of prices across the states, NBS added: “The highest average price of Agric eggs medium size (12 piece) was recorded in Niger State at N3,000.84 while the lowest was in Borno State at N2,075.58.
