MAKING MANHOLE COVERS BUSINESS IN UGANDA
Introduction:
A manhole cover is a removable plate forming the lid over the opening of a manhole, to prevent anyone from falling in and to keep unauthorized persons out. They usually feature “pick holes,” in which a hook handle is inserted to lift them. Production Capacity This project will produce 100 Manhole covers per day. Production Process
Manhole covers are generally made using sand castingtechniques. Equipment The Essential tools and equipments required include: Mortar Mixer & Moulds Spades & Wheel barrows Water tanks Cutters Finishers NB: These tools & equipments can be purchased from “Shauriyako” shopping centre-Kampala, Uganda. Scale of Investment, Capital Investment Requirements and Equipment The scale of Investment is estimated at US$ 4,458. Market Analysis
Construction is a booming sector; therefore, Manhole covers are on high demand especially in Drainage construction, Hotel sites, Road construction- side walk ways, and Telecommunication, Tunnels, Residential and Commercial buildings.
Project Costs The Projected costs of production both fixed and working capital is summarized in the Tables below: Fixed Capital Requirements in US$
| Capital Item | Units | Qty | @ | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truck | No | 1 | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Mortar Mixer | No | 1 | 910 | 910 |
| Moulds | No | 4 | 60 | 240 |
| Spades | No | 2 | 3.2 | 12.8 |
| Wheel barrows | No | 2 | 34.6 | 69.2 |
| Water tank | No | 1 | 183 | 183 |
| Cutters | No | 2 | 15 | 30 |
| Finishers | No | 2 | 3.2 | 6.4 |
| Sieve tray | No | 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Total | 4458.4 |
Production & Operating Costs in US$
| Item | Units | @ | Qty/ day | Prod. Cost/ day | Prod. Cost/ month | Prod. Cost/ Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | ||||||
| Lake Sand | Trps | 122 | 0.2 | 24.4 | 634.4 | 7,613 |
| Swampy Sand | Trps | 102 | 0.08 | 8.16 | 212.16 | 2,546 |
| Sand Stones | Trps | 122 | 0.04 | 4.88 | 126.88 | 1,523 |
| Wire Mesh | Roll | 12 | 0.04 | 0.48 | 12.48 | 150 |
| B. Wire | Roll | 32 | 0.04 | 1.28 | 33.28 | 399 |
| Ceme | Kgs | 0.24 | 865 | 208 | 5,400 | 64,801 |
| Item | Units | @ | Qty/ day | Prod. Cost/ day | Prod. Cost/ month | Prod. Cost/ Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nt | ||||||
| Sub total | 6,419 | 77,032 | ||||
| General Costs (Over heads) | ||||||
| Rent | 300 | 3,600 | ||||
| Labour | 800 | 9,600 | ||||
| Utilities (Power &Water) | 500 | 6,000 | ||||
| Repair & Maintenance | 300 | 3,600 | ||||
| Fuel | 1,000 | 12,000 | ||||
| Depreciation (Asset write off) Expenses | 256 | 3,069 | ||||
| Sub – total | 3,156 | 37,869 | ||||
| Total Operating Costs | 9,575 | 114,901 |
Project Product Costs and Price Structure:
| Item | Qty/day | Qty/yr | @$ | Pdn Cost/yr$ | UPx | T/rev |
| Manhole covers | 100 | 31,200 | 4.52 | 141,334 | 6 | 187,200 |
Profitability Analysis
| Profitability Item | Per day | Per Month | Per Year |
| Revenue | 600 | 15,600 | 187,200 |
| Less: Production & Operating Costs | 332 | 11,778 | 141,334 |
| Profit | 268 | 3,822 | 45,866 |
Sources of Supply of Raw materials Raw materials are locally available in Uganda especially Lake sand from lake shores and fine sand from wet lands. Government Facilities and Incentives Available The Government has subsidized the Building & Construction sector through tax exemptions