Strike hits building work in state

Construction activity in the state has come to a halt even as the strike by builders and developers against the hike in the prices of cement and steel entered the seventh day on Thursday.

The Federation of Real Estate Developers of Gujarat had begun the strike on March 5. The strike is also supported by the Confederation of Real Estate Developer's Association of India.

Builders of Saurashtra have decided to stop work on private construction projects in the region. They have the support of the Architects' Association and the Consulting Civil Engineers' Association of Saurashtra, the association office-bearers said.

Representatives of builders, contractors and tile manufacturers from various areas of Saurashtra including Junagadh, Jamnagar, Morbi and Amreli were present at a meeting organised by the Builder's Association.

The meeting decided to go ahead with the agitation until the steel and cement prices are brought down.

The Government Contractors' Association and the Saurashtra Cement Pipe Manufacturers' Association have also joined the strike.

The builders said the price hike has put an enormous financial burden on them.

The Rajkot Builders' Association chairman Mukesh Seth said the association has arranged ration to the workers and labourers so that they will not be affected by the strike.

The Rajkot Chambers of Commerce and The Greater Rajkot Chambers of Commerce have declared their support to the Builder's Association.