adminhad by yesterday morning partially fixed the mill, which began running and were expected to bring it back to full production soon.
The price of cement had shot up over the past few weeks as dealers took advantage of shortages caused by the major plant breakdown. Traders were selling a 50kg bag of cement at between US$16 and US$20, yet the recommended average price was US$12,50.
Lafarge yesterday said they had not increased the price of cement.
“Our selling prices remain at US$9,78 for MC (masonry) and US$10,78 for PC, including VAT,” said the company in a statement.
“Our recommended prices are US$11,50 for MC and US$12,50 for PC.
“We suffered a major breakdown on our cement mill. This has affected cement production, resulting in the current market shortages. Our engineers are working flat out to resolve the issue.”
Addressing a Press conference yesterday, president of the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe, Mr Philip Chiyangwa, urged people to report anyone selling cement at above the recommended price.
“That price (of US$16 and US$20 per 50kg bag) is not going to be accepted on the market,” he said.
Mr Chiyangwa said there were “agents of doom” who wanted to take advantage of the situation to rip off people of their hard earned money. He said such people wanted building costs and property prices to shoot up.
“I would like to urge people to report to the law enforcement agents anyone selling cement at a price higher than recommended so that action would be taken,” said Mr Chiyangwa.
He said temporary operations had resumed at Lafarge while other companies were making cement.
“We expect the situation to be normal in the next coming few weeks,” said Mr Chiyangwa.
He urged people not to buy cement at a higher price as the situation would normalise soon.
CIFOZ acting chief executive officer, Mrs Rutendo Rukweza, said contractors should be on the lookout for dealers who would want to profiteer.
“The situation is under control and cement would be readily available on the market,” she said.
Online Reporter