Since 1989, World Population day has been observed by the international community on July 11. The theme this year is Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies. According to the United Nations Population Fund, the world is seeing a record number of people displaced by crises – some 60 million according to the latest UN figures. CEMEX is uniquely positioned to address many of the population challenges cities face and has a solid history of delivering affordable solutions for vulnerable populations.

Implementing Resilient and Low-impact Solutions for Extreme weather
As urban populations grow and climate change causes more extreme weather, the need for resilient infrastructure is growing exponentially.

In 2013 Baja California Sur’s State Government began repaving many asphalt roads using concrete as part of the Reconstruction with Concrete Program (PRECO) led by CEMEX. The following year, Hurricane Odile, the strongest hurricane to hit the area since 1967, caused widespread power outages and severe flooding that required mass evacuations. In the storm’s aftermath, the local media noted that thanks to the quality of CEMEX’s hydraulic concrete roads and technical work, some 510,000 m2 of concrete pavement withstood the ravages of the Hurricane. That structural integrity facilitated the delivery of food, people and equipment to support a rapid recovery for the thousands of people affected.

In Southeast Asia, the deadliest Philippine typhoon recorded in modern history, Typhoon Haiyan, killed at least 6,300 people in that country alone and decimated whole towns. CEMEX worked with local government and nonprofit organizations to effectively carry out Build Unity, an integrated, holistic rebuilding program. CEMEX focused on high-priority rebuilding projects including construction of new homes for families in the most affected areas and rebuilding damaged schools. CEMEX has continued to partner with local NGO Gawad Kalinga since then to increase the building of affordable and disaster relief housing.

Delivering Affordable Solutions for Vulnerable Populations
Through numerous initiatives, we support the social and economic development of communities at the base of the socioeconomic pyramid. In 2014, we contributed to the construction of 3,150 affordable and efficient residential units in 12 different countries, representing more than 180,000 m².

We partner with the Colombian government through our Vivienda (“Home”) initiative to provide dignified, comfortable, high-quality homes to low-income families. In 2014, 640 apartment residences were completed as part of a 3,000 unit development that includes recreational and green areas for the city of Montería. Many of these homes went to families displaced by violence, approximately 50 percent of which are single mothers.

That same year, as part of our commitment to improve the quality of life for the communities we serve, CEMEX continued to provide homes to residents across the Dominican Republic through four distinct social housing projects. One of these, La Barquita, will include 232 apartments that the Dominican Republic government will provide to families in high-risk flood areas.

By delivering sustainable construction materials and expertise, building resilient infrastructure and providing affordable and efficient buildings, at CEMEX we are leading the way in offering solutions that promote economic growth, preserve the environment and improve the quality of urban life.

This article is an abridged version of a section from our 2014 Sustainable Development Report. You can read the more detailed report here.

CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries. CEMEX has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future.