In a bid to intervene and halt the continuous building collapse in Uganda, Hima cement has embarked on a series of training for masons and builders across the country. The training seminars seek to improve the vocational skills of masons and builders, who are key players in the construction value chain.
Over 200 builders in Hoima were trained on laying strong and concrete structural foundations for long-lasting homes and buildings as well as get equipped with skills on site management, concrete mixing ratios and site safety.
Hima Cement rolled out the initiative to enhance masons’ skills and professionalism, by offering them formal training, and through this in turn aiding to promote safe construction and job creation in the country. “We recognize the challenges that the construction industry has faced over time with regard to construction management and professionalism given that most masons and foremen have built their skills mostly through informal learning (apprenticeship),” Eng Joseph Balikuddembe said.
Explaining why they chose to train this particular group, Eng. Balikuddembe who on Sunday spearheaded the second phase of the trainings in Hoima, said that most people planning to build homes depend on masons for advice regarding their structures, which materials to use and in what quantities. “They therefore need this knowledge on various facets of construction to be well skilled to advise accordingly.” He said.
Hima Cement will next week take the training seminars to the central region starting with Masaka area.