11. Why are we focusing on a different quality of steel from what we have in the market and why the emphasis on the high quality cement?

• The Chinese Class I railway standards specify the chemical and physical standards of cement including the testing regime thereof and this applies to steel also. Importantly, Uganda has never built structures (including bridges) for such loading/weights. Therefore, the key materials must meet the design strength, durability and functionality. The railway is designed for 100 years.
• The Chinese standard for materials are linked to specific elements of the structure and class of railways.