Holcim Bangladesh Ltd has launched low-cost cement exclusively for plastering and bricklaying works. The country’s first-ever low-cost masonry cement - Holcim Easy Wall - was formally launched by President of Supreme Court Bar Association Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud, also a Holcim Bangladesh director, on Sunday in Dhaka.
Speaking at launching ceremony Managing Director of Holcim Bangladesh Ramit Budhraja said the new masonry cement is manufactured in such a way so that it covers more areas with less cement waste, saves labour costs and minimises cracks, lengthening wall durability. The cement is also environment-friendly, Budhraja added.
Senior Consultant of Holcim Support Group, Switzerland Dr Diego Rosani said at least 25 percent of the total cement consumption in construction work is used for plastering and bricklaying works and the use of the new masonry cement can save over eight per cent costs. As the masonry cement has optimum plastering efficiency with superior water retention rate and better cohesion capability, it will reduce material waste in the process of applying mortar in between bricks and on wall, Rosani added.
The cement is a better alternative to masonry work promising to reduce construction costs amid price spiral of building materials, said President of Real Estate Housing Association of Bangladesh (Rehab) Toufiq M Seraj. "Rehab builds around five to six thousand units of apartments every year and we are looking for cheaper means to bring construction costs down," added Seraj.
Holcim Easy Wall is alternative to high-strength ordinary port land and composite cement, which is widely used for plastering and bricklaying works, causing huge wastage, said Buet Prof Shamim Z Basunia while chairing a technical session to mark the launch of Holcim Easy Wall.
