Eternit trains 800 craftsmen on roofing product installation

Eternit Nigeria Limited, makers of roofing products, said it has commenced the training of 800 craftsmen from across the country as part of a programme to equip them with modern techniques on product installation.

The Managing Director, Eternit, Mr. Dirk Modderman, who made the disclosure in Sapele, Delta State, said the company would soon introduce new roofing and ceiling products into the Nigerian market.

Announcing plans by the company to open shop in Port Harcourt and Abuja, Modderman said Eternit would inaugurate a dry construction division to bridge the gap created by decreasing quality wood in the building industry.

He said, Eight hundred people will be trained in the installation of new products and this will be continued in subsequent years. Not all the people know how to install our products to bring out the beauty in them; so, we have built on the communication component of our activities, even as we unveil new products, some of which come cheaper than conventional building materials.

To promote them, we have to make sure that our installers know how to employ them, and we train installers at no cost and give free manual on how to do it. Aside this, we are involved in other socially responsible corporate activities, including taking care of the full running cost of Mona Primary/Secondary School, renovation of the palace of the Orodje of Okpe, and assistance to the local council in environmental matters, among other areas.

We understand we have a big responsibility because we are one of the biggest employers here; we do these things, otherwise, it will be very expensive for the community. Our interest is in the welfare of the local community and we sponsor many of its activities.

Speaking on the removal of asbestos from its products, the managing director said the material in itself, though not harmful, could otherwise pose threat when damage occurred.

Asbestos is made up of small fibres used in holding the product in place, but has now been replaced with artificial fibre. Asbestos, when used to hold product in place, is not harmful itself, but can be otherwise during damage, when dust from it becomes harmful, Modderman said.

Commending the business environment in Nigeria, he said unfair competition was allowing substandard products to find their way into the market.

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Eternit trains 800 craftsmen on roofing product installation