PANJIM: It would be stating the obvious that the realty business in the state is in a trough. Sales of flats have reduced to a trickle despite claims by builders that they are selling their properties every other week. The large number of empty flats around the state and the slowdown in the construction of new buildings is testament to the slowdown. However this has not meant that builders are prepared to reduce cost.
The production cost per sq mtr, builder’s claim is Rs 22,000 which is on the higher side. This figure observers of the industry claim is highly inflated and reflects the builders urge to make exorbitant profits but then that claim could be made for other aspects of the industry. Another factor is the ban placed on sand which has resulted in illegal sand mining still continuing. Builders, the Herald spoke to preferred to avoid answering the question claiming that they would inform the concerned person who would then make the required arrangements.
This however meant paying a highly inflated price with the cost of a truck going as high as Rs 2000 though presently it is marked at Rs 1400. Asked about alternatives to natural sand, the builders claimed that the alternative that was available was good but was not available in the quantity that was required.
Nanu Industries produces the artificial sand called Nanu sand since 2010. Mr. Naik the manager who responded to queries of the Herald said the company manufactured 2000 tonnes of artificial sand everyday and the product was excellent for both external cladding as well as internal work within a flat. The product he said was ideal for construction work and was popular with several builders in the state.
Manufactured sand could be created so that it matched the exact grading required for construction. After crushing large rocks using technology advanced crushers, the sand sieved, shaped and blended together to obtain the final product.
He said that something as simple as sand needs to match certain quality expectations. It would conform to the specified grading zone which classifies sand as very coarse and fine depending on grain size. Manufactured sand, he said should be encouraged because it would not only reduce the stress on the environment but also assures customers of a high quality product.
Another builder claimed the product was very good especially for use internally but he had questions about use for external cladding.
Mr Naik said there should be no apprehensions about using the product for external cladding.
Desh Prabhudessai, Head of the Goa Chapter of Credai said the product was good but the problem was that not enough was being manufactured. He felt it would be nice if the company manufactured 15-17000 tonnes a day. This he felt would help deal with the demand of other builders. Another builder said the product was good but with Nanu Builders needing most of the product that was manufactured there was not much available for other builders.
Perhaps time will tell how this turns out. It is obvious that the industry requires more options with regards the raw materials required to build a residence. The expansion of the facilities to manufacture sand could be a start.
