Builders announce boycott of construction materials

The All-Pakistan Builders and Construction Association has announced a boycott of building materials until September 30, in protest against the steep increase in prices.

Over the few years, the surge in prices has caused a significant rise in construction costs, with the price of constructing a typical 5-marla house increasing by a staggering Rs0.8 million to Rs1.2 million. The estimated cost of ongoing development projects has also soared, causing distress among citizens, builders, and construction dealers.

Prices of essential building materials have reached unprecedented levels. A sack of cement now costs between Rs1,650 and Rs1,700 in the open market, while the price of bricks has surged to Rs17,000 per thousand bricks. The situation is further aggravated by the continuous closure of brick kilns in Rawalpindi, leading to a sharp decline in brick production.

The number of brick kilns in the district has decreased from 200 to 120 due to various factors.

Additionally, the prices of other crucial materials have also seen significant hikes. In addition to a steep rise in steel prices, gravel and sand are priced at Rs34,000 and Rs29,000 per trolley, respectively. Labour costs have also risen substantially, with the daily wage of a mason increasing to Rs2,200, and general labour now costing Rs1,500 per day. House prices have increased by 30 per cent accompanied by rising costs for shuttering, carpeting, and plumbing labour.

The imposition of new taxes has further exacerbated the situation, driving up the prices of building materials.

All Pakistan Builders and Construction Association Vice President Humayun Mirza has expressed grave concern, warning that the property construction industry is on the verge of collapse due to the relentless increase in material prices.

The association has called for a 30-day boycott of building material purchases as the estimated costs continue to rise. Mirza urged citizens and those building their homes to refrain from buying building materials for a month.

He believes that this collective action could lead to a reduction in the prices of building materials and labour. To strengthen the impact of this boycott, the association plans to launch a social media campaign.

Mirza is confident that if the entire country unites in boycotting building materials for just one month, the prices of essential materials like cement, sand, gravel, and bricks will significantly decrease. Otherwise, the prices will continue to rise.