Published by Build Hub Company Limited · Updated
Start with the job, not the material name
A request for sand or kokoto is not enough to identify what the site needs. State whether the sand is for plaster, mortar, screed or concrete, and whether the aggregate is for concrete, compacted sub-base or drainage. Where drawings or a mix specification exist, send them.
The intended application helps prevent a fine finishing material being used in concrete, or a dense fine material being ordered where free drainage is required.
Information to send with the quote request
- Material and intended use
- Volume in cubic metres, or the areas and depths needed to estimate it
- Project location, map pin and a contact for the delivery driver
- Access limits, turning space, tipping point and any restricted delivery hours
- Required dates and whether several loads should be phased
Check source and contamination risk
For construction sand, visible soil, clay, organic debris, shells or suspected salt contamination should be questioned before the material enters a mix. This matters in a coastal environment and especially around reinforced concrete. Aggregate should be checked for excess dust, clay lumps and unexpected changes in grading between loads.
Ask for the use and material description to appear on the quotation and delivery paperwork. That creates a clearer check than ordering only by an informal local name.
Prepare access and stockpiles
- Confirm that the access road and turning area can take the proposed truck
- Choose a safe tipping point that will not block the works or public access
- Tip onto a clean, firm surface rather than topsoil or demolition waste
- Separate plaster sand, concrete sand, aggregate and crusher dust
- Protect piles from runoff and avoid placing them where seawater or site waste can contaminate them
Plan delivery across Unguja
A Stone Town or Urban West site may need a different vehicle and timing from an open plot in Fumba or a coastal project in Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Kiwengwa or Matemwe. Distance, truck size, load count, road access and tipping space all affect the final arrangement.
Build Hub can quote sand, aggregate, crusher dust and hardcore together and phase delivery against the site programme. Current catalogue material rates are indicative; the written quote confirms delivery and the final total.
Questions buyers should ask
- Is this material appropriate for the stated application?
- What quantity and unit are written on the quote?
- Is delivery included, and for which location and truck arrangement?
- What access information does the driver need?
- How should later loads be called off if the programme changes?