Gov’t deploys security forces as cement industry faces persistent challenges
Takele Uma (Eng.), Minister of Mines said that the government has deployed security forces as some cement factories forced to cease production due to lack of stability in their production areas.
Cement producers have faced disruption due to security concerns in some areas.
“In addition to the manufacturing plants raw materials extraction areas are being protected by security forces,” Takele said in a presser last week.
Currently, the national annual demand of cement is 50 million tons but the production is stood at 5 million tons.
The price of a quintal of cement is skyrocketed to over 1300 Birr. Besides, the shortage is also high.
Regarding the shortage, Takele said that it’s a result of gap between demand and supply.
“To solve the conundrum, cement factories are providing the product in a direct marketing system to customers without any involvement of other value chain actors,” Takele explained.
Furthermore, Takele said that, “Ministry of Mines is providing support to factories with a view to solve the shortage”.
