By Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter

HARDWARE TRADERS yesterday projected shortages in alu-zinc roofing sheets and lumber as well as potential price increases for these goods, as property owners prepare to rebuild following the adverse effects of Hurricane Ivan on their homes and businesses.

"There will definitely be a shortage of zinc because raw materials was short in supply before the hurricane and prices were very high," said Canute Salmon, an executive at Arc Systems Limited, one of the island's major suppliers of zinc. He added that for the past six months prices have been rising steadily.

"Every time you buy there is an increase, so I assume that there will be an increase (on the next shipment). The quotations we have been getting for the raw materials is higher than what zinc is being wholesaled for on the local market," said Mr. Salmon. On the other hand, he said Arc Systems Limited's stock inventory levels of lumber and plywood would be able to meet the demand.

LUMBER VERY SCARCE

However, Jeff Myrie, chair-man of Mainland International Limited, told The Gleaner that lumber has been a very scarce commodity in recent times, as environmental groups in the Honduras ­ a leading supplier ­ have been fervently lobbying against the cutting down of trees.

"The price for lumber will definitely increase for the next shipment that lands because we will have to pay more to get them," he said. Mr. Myrie lamented that his company has secured some shipments of lumber but have not been able to clear them from the wharf. "It is very hard when the people come in and we know that we have the stocks in the island but not in our hands," said a frustrated Mr. Myrie.

ROOFING SHEETS TO COST MORE

Meanwhile, Philip Junor, general manager of Tank-Weld Metals, reserved his comments on the shortage of zinc supply until the extent of the damage has been ascertained island- wide, but he clearly stated that consumers would have to pay more for roofing sheets. "There is no two ways about it because the prices have been rising consistently," Mr. Junor said. "There is a shortage worldwide and we had some difficulty in booking shipments and the prices have gone up on the world market for future shipments," he added.

However, Mr. Junor pointed out that the price for the present stock of zinc will remain at what it was before the hurricane and will not change until it is depleted and new stocks arrive. Mr. Junor explained that his company is comfortable with its stock inventory levels and if other suppliers in the market have adequate stock, together they would be able to meet the increased demand. However, he did concede that the stock levels might come under some pressure in the long run.

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