Cement shortage started arising early in April when the plant embarked on renovation and upgrading activities which would lead to the production of cement that will satisfy the market.
Since they started the plant renovation, cement supplies reduced, affecting the market prices. The cost of a 50kg bag increased from Rwf8700 to between Rwf12000 and Rwf13000 depending on the geographical location.
Speaking in a press conference on Monday, Cimerwa Chief Executive Officer, Bheki Mtembu said that renovation activities are about to be completed.
“We were replacing old machines enable us produce quantities that will satisfy the local market. Once activities are completed, we project to produce 500,000 tonnes and 600,000 tonnes per annum in 2020,” he explained.
He said that a ban on importation of some raw materials from Tanzania also affected production and prices.
“We used to import raw materials from Tanzania, but they banned their exportation, then we changed the direction and decided to import from United Arab Emirates which take us long trajectory and sometimes the trucks reach the plant very late,” he added.
Mtembu said that new machines will have installed capacity of producing more 15% from the current levels.
Prior to renovation and upgrading activities, Cimerwa had been producing 380,000 tonnes per annum.
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