Despite increasing number of constructions in the country, local brick makers are not able to fully capture the market. Interlocking cement earth block and Bhutan concrete bricks are among a few brick manufacturers in the market.
Some of the construction owners said they have been advised by the manufacturers not to use the locally manufactured bricks for the construction of high buildings. “It is not as durable, we have been told. They told us that the local bricks can be used only for the construction of bungalow or a cottage,” said one of the construction owners.
The site where interlocking cement earth block bricks are produced has three machines. These machines have the capacity to produce 12,500 bricks a day. But, because of the lack in demand, only about 1000 bricks are produced in a day.
Even today, over 40, 000 blocks of bricks are lying idle at the plant.
Tshering Phuntsho of interlocking cement earth block said even though there are people who are using the local bricks for construction purpose, they haven’t been able to penetrate the commercial market. “One thing could be because of the lack of awareness. The product has been widely used in South Asian region.” He said since it is a new product in the country, people are still skeptical about its quality and durability.
Bhutan concrete bricks did share a similar fate when they initial began. The plant was established in 2007 and it was only after two years that they could double their production. The Managing Director of the Bhutan concrete bricks, Milissa Kelzang, said concrete is widely used building materials in the entire world. It is durable and long lasting material, according to her. “But it has been a bit difficult to explain that to people here in Bhutan because to them it is a new product.”
Most of the constructions in the country are carried out using burnt red bricks imported from India. According to the record maintained with the trade, under the department of revenue and customs, about 48 million fire clays were imported last year alone, which is worth about Nu.273 million.
The works and human settlement minister, Yeshey Zimba, said it will be made mandatory for all the government construction to use the locally available materials soon. However, he added that the manufactures should make sure that the bricks are available at reasonable price, and are of good quality.
