The escalating prices of building materials in Taraba State have become a cause for concern among residents, particularly aspiring homeowners.
Numerous construction projects across the state, as observed by OsunDailyNG, have been put on hold due to the soaring costs of materials.
As of the time of this report, construction activities in various parts of the state have been suspended due to the sharp increase in building material prices.
The cost of a six-inch block, previously priced at N8, has skyrocketed to N270, while a nine-inch block has surged from N120 to N380.
In addition to the spike in cement prices, there has been a corresponding rise in the cost of sharp sand, which has surged from N5000 to N15,000 per trip.
Many individuals who had initiated housing projects have been forced to abandon them due to the exorbitant prices of building materials.
Alaba Omowale, who had to halt his three-bedroom project, expressed his frustration, calling on authorities to intervene to assist ordinary citizens who cannot afford the materials.
“I have abandoned the three-bedroom project that I started last year because of the current prices of cement, iron rods, blocks, and others,” Omowale lamented.
Sani Kabiru echoed similar sentiments, questioning how anyone could afford to build a one or two-room apartment with the current prices of six-inch blocks and cement.
Dealers of building materials, speaking to OsunDailyNG, attributed the surge in prices to the rise in the dollar exchange rate and petroleum products.
While hoping for a natural decline in prices, they urged authorities to address the fluctuations in the petroleum market and stabilize the dollar exchange rate.
“We are also not comfortable with this development because several of our customers have put their building projects on hold across the state,” one dealer expressed.
