A European Company based in Luxemburg specializing in bitumen emulsion production has entered the Kenyan market seeking to take the largest share.
West European Group says unlike bitumen cutback most road contractors use, emulsion is cost effective and environmental friendly.
Bitumen is used for road surfacing and roofing.
WEG CEO Ali Paramani said emulsion is non-toxic and non-volatile.
“It is a new generation of liquid bitumen and requires no heating process when operating,” he said.
Cutback has controlled amount of distilled petroleum that reduces thickness of bitumen temporarily, this allows penetration into pavements.
Paramani said they have contained fire outbreak during storage, transportation and implementation of the product.
He said it cost Ksh. 66 for one-Kg of emulsions while cutback is Sh92.
About 10,000 Kgs of bitumen are needed to construct one-km road with 7.3 meter width.
He noted about Ksh.22 million can be saved in every 100 kilometers of road contracted.
The CEO, said their product is better than the normal tar used because its environmentally friendly, needs no heating nor chemical solvents, has no risk of environmental contaminant, it is applicable in humid areas.
Paramani spoke during an exhibition at Whitesands Hotel, Mombasa.
He said emulsion has been tested by Material Testing and Research Department of Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in Kenya.
