The Incorporated Mas-terbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) is questioning the motives of the Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL) in increasing the cost of a bag of cement.
The IMAJ is contending that the increase in the price is an attempt by CCCL to recover losses incurred during the recent cement crisis.
Over the weekend, Carib Cement had announced a 12 per cent increase in the price of its main product. Anthony Haynes, general manager of Carib Cement, told The Gleaner that the increase was due to rising fuel and electricity costs.
IT'S A PLOY
Michael Archer, president of the IMAJ, is however questioning that claim and said that it is a ploy by the cement company to get consumers to pay for the recent mismanagement of the industry in recent months.
In an interview with The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre, Mr. Archer said that the increase would add pressure to an already ailing sector. He said: "We are of the view that this increase, to some extent is an attempt to have the consumer pay for mistakes made recently as it relates to the bad cement and the fact that the cement company will not get out of settling claims in relation to the process."
WHY SO SOON?
Mr. Archer also questioned why the company was increasing prices after they had done so in February. "The cement company has had already increased the price in February by 13 per cent, this is just before the recall and we reject the argument that this increase is purely because of the increases in oil."
Opposition spokesperson on industry and commerce, Shirley Williams has called on the Minister of Industry and Commerce Phillip Paulwell to intervene and possibly reverse the increase to aid the industry. Ms. Williams said that the cement company is using its monopoly status to force an increase, which will affect construction costs.
