Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwean cement industry has witnessed a remarkable recovery, with leading manufacturers Khaya Cement Company and Sino Zim Cement Company exceeding production projections after overcoming recent operational challenges.

In early October 2023, the industry faced a significant setback when the Khaya cement raw material processing plant in Harare suffered a breakdown.

The incident disrupted the production flow, raising concerns about the potential impact on the local cement supply.

However, the maintenance team at Khaya Cement Company worked tirelessly, restoring the plant to full operational capacity by November 7, 2023.

A source close to the industry commented, "The quick repair of the Khaya cement plant was crucial. It not only allowed Khaya Cement to get back on track but also played a vital role in stabilising the local cement market."

Additionally, Gweru Sino Zimbabwe Company, another key player in the industry, resumed operations after a 45-day scheduled maintenance shutdown. This strategic pause was necessary to ensure the long-term efficiency and reliability of the plant's operations.

The combined efforts of these companies have not only mitigated the initial production halt but have also led to a significant increase in output.

The source revealed, "For November and December 2023, the total cement production is expected to reach around 312,000 metric tonnes, surpassing the initial demand projection of 260,000 metric tonnes."

The source added that while this rebound was a testament to the industry's resilience and capacity for rapid recovery, it introduced a new challenge of managing the surplus.

"The industry is now grappling with the ramifications of an oversupply. We must carefully navigate this to avoid adverse effects on prices and distribution," the source added.

Meanwhile, the swift and effective actions taken by Khaya Cement Company and Sino Zim Cement have not only averted a crisis but have also positioned the local cement industry on a trajectory of growth.