JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

With a goal to clear all informal settlements by 2014, the South African government has taken action to build some 4.6 million new homes for the 2.4 million South Africans currently living in makeshift dwellings. The need for construction materials is immense, and the South African governemnt has looked to suppliers who can provide dependable, yet low-cost solutions.

Traditionally, metal roofing has been used for these projects due to their cost benefit. MONIER South Africa, however, was successful in demonstrating to the government that concrete roof tiles can be offered at an affordable price while providing the added benefits of weather resistance as well as thermal and durability advantages over metal sheeting.