29 December 2020

Pakistan: The Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) has issued a statement warning of the dangers of recent cement price rises. The Balochistan Times newspaper has reported that the association called the rises disproportionate given the local availability of raw materials. It said that the increase would be reflected in the prices of housing units under the Naya Pakistan Housing Programme.

Prime Minister Imran Khan launched the scheme, alongside a financial support package, to revitalise the construction industry in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

US: Cemex USA has delivered grants via the Cemex Foundation to over 80 non-profit organisations so far in 2020 as part of its coronavirus relief efforts. The funds donated by Cemex USA employees have provided more than a quarter million meals to those facing food insecurity and overall have positively impacted more than 200,000 people in California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Florida. The initiative also supplied more than 20,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical staff and first responders.

“Covid-19 has created far-reaching impacts and unparalleled challenges, prompting thousands of families to request additional support for food and shelter while they continuously worry about the health and safety of themselves and their loved ones. At Cemex USA, we wanted to help our neighbours and communities during this unprecedented time,” said Cemex USA president Jaime Muguiro. “The help provided by non-profits right now is critical, and we are proud to be able to deliver significant support for their initiatives that are making a difference in our communities.”

Organisations that have benefited from the grants include: United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) in Birmingham, Alabama; Feeding South Florida in Florida; Feed the Frontline Houston in Houston, Texas; Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF) in Lyons, Colorado; House of Refuge in South Mesa, Arizona; and Heart of Los Angeles Youth (HOLA) in Los Angeles, California.