Rupununi block making…
THE Government could get involved in the block-making industry in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), which will serve to boost economic activity in the hinterland. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad spoke of the possibility while on a visit to the Region, last week, with a team from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).
They were visiting one of the block makers at Annai, whose operations are strategically located between Annai Airstrip and Kwatamang Landing in The Rupununi, when the minister said:“The industry has the potential to be a thriving one and we need to promote this kind of activity in the area.”
Prashad said endorsement of such an enterprise could lead to additional development for the surrounding communities.
Proprietor of the establishment, Mr. Johnny Winter told the visitors that he has been in the business for about three years and all of the raw materials used in the production of clay blocks were extracted from the surrounding environment and required no additional cost to transport.
“I use the clay found a few feet from where we bake the blocks and we do not mix it with anything other than water,” he explained.
Winter related that, after the ingredients have been combined, they are placed in a mould and left to dry for two days before being fired in the oven.
Alluding to the response, he said most houses in Lethem and some of the surrounding communities are made from claybrick blocks which he manufactures.
“I make about 800 blocks a day and sell one for $30. People would come from different villages, as far as Lethem, to buy them so I can afford to maintain my business,” Winter stated.
Prashad, noting the price difference in Georgetown and Annai, observed that, in the city, one block is retailed for between $80 and $100.
“Imagine, if we were to develop and expand this operation and be able to market at the same price, this would be a very profitable business,” he calculated.
Winter said a machine is available, from Brazil, which has the capability of producing 5,000 blocks daily and he implored the minister to explore the idea of acquiring it.
“If we get this machine, we can produce more and, in turn, be able to sell more and I would be grateful if this can be done,” the manufacturer pleaded.
Prashad undertook to discuss the proposal with the Minister of Housing and Water, Mr. Irfaan Ali, after stating:“This is an interesting venture and I will see what can be done after discussing it.”