Dangote tackles building collapse with new cement

Some cement manufacturers have maintained cement quality isn’t a factor in building collapse but the way the cement is mixed or put to use. Dangote Cement said it has not only  maintained its cement quality but recently has raised the bar with an enhanced quality cement – the Dangote 3X 42.4R quality cement that yields […]

Some cement manufacturers have maintained cement quality isn’t a factor in building collapse but the way the cement is mixed or put to use. Dangote Cement said it has not only  maintained its cement quality but recently has raised the bar with an enhanced quality cement – the Dangote 3X 42.4R quality cement that yields more resilience and gives better appeal. The minimum cement quality of Dangote is 42.5 as opposed to 32.5 grade by some manufacturers.
The Director, Sales and Marketing, Dangote, Mr Ekanem Etim explained recently that 32.5 cement cannot be used for high rise buildings, bridges and other such huge constructions. But it can go for culverts, pavements, rendering plastering and some other low construction works. He noted that while the 42.5 cement grade can be used for every construction, the 32.5 cannot, even though the cost is just about the same.
According to him, some Nigerians wouldn’t bother about the type of cement grade and misapply the product which may lead to building collapse. He said it is for this reason that the Dangote Cement, in all its three plants in Ogun, Kogi and Benue produces only the 42.5 cement quality to avoid misapplication.
The Dangote Cement recent brand, the Dangote 3X 42.4R is in a 50 kilogramme bag. Presenting the product in Lagos, the Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Devakumar Edwin said Dangote is committed to the safety of human lives rather than maximizing profit adding that the introduction of 42.5R cement will reduce building collapse in the country.
He explained that it costs more to produce the 42.5R grade but that Dangote Cement decided to sell at the same price so as to make it affordable to all. He explained that the new cement ccan be used for all construction purses but that it is the best for civil construction bearing column.
The Chief Marketing Officer of Dangote Cement, Oare Ojeikere said Dangote 3X is the brand name for its 42.5R grade adding that the cement comes amid expectations from the Mortgage Refinance Company where developers can access funds on a single digit interest rate.
He explained that 3X stands for Xtra Strength, Xtra Life and Xtra Yield adding that the new 42.5R yields 30 percent more, has 30 percent extra strength and lasts 30 percent. In addition he said, the new cement brand guarantees 30 percent more value at the same cost.
According to him, the cement grade possesses higher strength capability and is rapid setting making it the preferred grade among blockmakers, builders and construction workers.
Engr. Joe Makoju, the Honorary Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote described the introduction of the new cement as ground breaking, saying Nigeria is now one of the best quality producers of cement in the world.
“No matter the sophistication of the structure, this is the best grade for any civil construction. Dangote did not create the standard. The standard has been there, we have only blazed the trail by starting its production. Its’ good for lead bearing columns”, Makoju explained.
Mr. Adeoye Onipede, an enforcement official with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), commended the move by Dangote saying SON has approved the product because it has met the standard specifications for the product.  
The agency said it had inspected the company’s manufacturing facilities across the country and found the processes to have been upgraded to efficiently produce the 42.5 cement grade.
 President of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association, Deacon Abel Olukayode said, “This is the beginning of another chapter in our career as bricklayers. The industry is indeed facing a challenge, which I’m sure this stronger cement will solve. From any angle one chooses to look at it, the latest step from the company might be the final whistle to announce the takeover of Africa cement market by Dangote brand.”