According to the Bricks Manufacturers Association, 16 new factories have jumped into the market this year, including 10 new factories in Rupandehi and 6 others in Nawalparasi. [break]
Till last year, there were 46 brick kilns manufacturing this basic construction material in Rupandehi and Nawalparasi.
Entrepreneurs said that more investors were opening brick kilns because the demand for bricks have soared sharply in the market over the last year. “Local demand has jumped substantially. Also the Kathmandu Valley has emerged as good market of late, especially as more consumers there are placing demand for bricks,” said Tara Prasad Sapkota, a brick kiln promoter.
In fact, demand from the Valley has grown so strongly that manufacturers said they supplied 2 million bricks units to Kathmandu over just three months. “Production of bricks in Kathmandu dwindled due to protracted dryness and short supply of water. Hence, we are receiving good demand from there,” said he.
Sapkota said that more players were jumping into brick kiln industry also because there are very limited investment alternatives.
Till 2002, there were only 12 brick kilns in Rupandehi and Nawalparasi districts. In 2003, the number of factories had dropped to half. However, their number has soared with the realty boom.
“There is an ample scope for good business in the present situation. But the lack of availability of adequate manpower could affect products,” said Krishna Shrestha, president of Nawalparasi Bricks Manufacturers Association.
Presently, brick kiln operators rely on Indian workers for the productions. However, entrepreneurs said that despite signing of contract, fewer workers actually turn up at the factory, creating problems for them.
According to the association the industry generally requires 500 workers to carry out smooth productions through November to May.
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