The nation's leading producer of cement, Ghana Cement of the Heidelberg Cement Group in Tema has since June this year embarked on a comprehensive free training scheme for a cross section of block manufacturers in the southern part of the country. The exercise is aimed at transferring new technology in block-making to enhance the building industry against the frequent structural defects of some key buildings in urban areas. It is also to help block manufacturers to achieve optimum number of blocks per bag of Ghana cement in conformity with specifications of Ghana Standards Board and also build effective customer-based relationship. Mr Erik Westerberg, Commercial Director of GHACEM told journalists in Tema that the company has so far offered free training to about 370 block manufacturers and hope to train about 450 by the end of 2009. The training scheme which covers both theory and practical tuition includes ability to select and measure materials. According to Mr Westerberg, areas covered in the training include sandcrete block types and properties, materials selection, materials mixing processes, mix design, manual and machine making block moulding, handling of cured-blocks, stacking and transportation. He said the free training scheme is expected to cover the northern sector in due course and urged block manufacturers to take advantage and enhance their skills. Source: B&FT