NEW: Lafarge to commission US$15m plant

Online Reporter

LAFARGE Cement Zimbabwe will this month commission a US$15 million Vertical Cement Mill (VCM), which is expected to double production capacity.

Speaking during the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Harare, Lafarge CEO, Mr Geoffrey Ndugwa, said the mill is part of a US$25 million investment programme.

“The commissioning of the new VCM this month will double the company’s cement production capacity, and also improve raw material availability for the Dry Mortars plant.

“The plant will double our existing capacity of 450 000 tonnes to at least 1 million tonnes. The total investment is around US$15 million, but it’s part of the wider investment programme of US$25 million,” he said.

He said the plant will enhance Lafarge’s ability to generate revenue and save foreign currency.

“It will also be significant for the country because we have a perennial deficit of cement and we think this will go a long way in bridging the gap, and in reduction of imports as well as preservation of scarce forex,” said Mr Ndugwa.