Dangote Cement introduces ‘tarpaulin concept’
As part of the strategies to make its products affordable on the Ghanaian market, Africa's cement giant, Dangote Cement, is introducing the ‘tarpaulin concept’ of trading in cement into the country.
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The move is also aimed at reducing the high cost of putting up or renting office space which is required to trade in cement.
The Marketing Manager of Dangote Cement Ghana Ltd, Mr Evans Oloquaye Martey, said, "We want many Ghanaians who desire to put up houses, to buy cement at very affordable prices without having to pay indirectly for the operational cost.
“This is why we are introducing this technology that does not require an office space to set up," he said.
To ensure the technology takes off successfully, Dangote Cement is taking delivery of over 1000 tarpaulins for distribution to its cement distributors across the country.
The concept
With the technology, all one is required to do is get a platform on which to put the cement then use the tarpaulins to cover and secure them against theft and rain.
The 'tarpaulin concept' of selling cement is an age-long practice in Nigeria and other West African countries that does not require any investment in office space.
Already, the cost of office space in the cities and towns is very high and this concept, which has been embraced by the distributors, is expected to bring a lot of relief to the cement distributors.
A beneficiary, Mr Frank Kwodwo Ofori of K. Ofori Enterprise, expressed appreciation to Dangote for the initiative.
He said the move would obviously bring him a lot of relief. "Dangote Cement understand our needs and we appreciate them for this initiative. They are supporting our business to grow and our customers definitely will benefit at the end," he said.
Another cement dealer, Mr Joseph Attah Anyen of Paa Nii Agency, said, "Apart from the good quality cement we get from Dangote, they also have innovative ways of helping small businesses to grow."
Dangote Cement, producers of the 42.5R grade of cement, within the last two months, have imported 1000 trucks that cart cement from the Tema factory to all parts of the country.
Mr Oloquaye said the company delivered cement to all, but the three Northern Regions, free of charge.
"This is one way through which we get cement to the Ghanaian at very affordable price. We are not just doing business, we are also helping to develop our infrastructure and ensure there is stability in the pricing of cement in the country so that anyone who intends to build can afford to buy cement," he said.
