Government says there is no need for players in the construction industry to resort to the importation of cement from other countries.
Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti says the Zambian cement manufacturing companies have the ability to produce and supply the local market and export the surplus.
Mulongoti was speaking in Lusaka last night when he officiated at the re-launch of new Mphamvu brand, a commodity manufactured by Lafarge Cement Zambia.
Mr. Mulongoti observed that the country has in the last two to three years experienced shortages of cement on the local market adding that any disruption in the supply of cement negatively impacts the construction industry and ultimately impacts the economy.
The Minister expressed happiness that the shortages of cement have now ceased and the commodity is now procured easily.
Mr. Mulongoti reiterated government’s commitment to working hand in hand with Lafarge in the promotion of the construction industry.
He said government is happy that Lafarge had continued to re-invest in Zambia to enhance economic development and ensure that its products compete favourably on the international market.
President Rupiah Banda on November 14, 2008 commissioned the US$120 million new state of the art plant in Chilanga.
And speaking earlier, Lafarge Commercial Director Bwembya Chikwanda disclosed that the company has managed to double its production from 600,000 metric tonnes (MT) to 1, 200 million metric tonnes annually.
Mr. Chikwanda said the increase in production is meant to satisfy the construction sector.
He praised the Zambia Bureau of Standards for setting a common standard that compels cement manufacturing companies to comply and conform to international standards in terms of mixture, packaging and quality.
ZANIS
Imitengo fye ukuduula, whos is going to buy that Cement. Is Hon Mulongoti now working for Chilanga Cement?
Reduce the prices otherwise spare us!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mulongoti………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….!!!!!
Ka Mulongoti kachabe chabe fye. Etu ma Minister twmusango filalya. No wonder Mpombo describes him as a useless and vindictive little man. He is truelly useless and very dull. How can he say what hesaid in Kasama or is such a pompous quack that he doesn’t care about how Zambians feel over the Kafupi acquittal? If Mwanawasa was alive, Mulongoti would have been fired instantly. Or shall we wait until the hearses also do their garbage collectio on him like they did wit tetamililo. These two bought those hearses together Local govt and Works and supply. Hearse number 35 to carry Mulongoti.
If it makes economic sense to import cement, then our industry is highly uncompetitive. Cement is a textbook case of an item in which international trade is almost impossible. How then can it be transported over a thousand kilometres and still land here cheaper?
Even a person who understands no economics will disagree with Mulongoti. For heavens sake, we are in a free market economy and buyers/sallers have a right to choose where and what to buy/sell.
This politician must be in LaFarges pocket. The company is supposed to employ a MARKETING MANAGER that should do sells. Opening up the market is good for the economy as the companies are forced to compete with each other and will give a good price to poor Zambians. At tthe end of the day Zambians will be the winners and the will be SECURITY OF SUPPLY.
Let people buy what they want donnot be like KK who kept Zambia in the cage for 27years thank God for FTJ who oppened Zambia to the out side world