Ohorongo imports arrive, Namibia

Ohorongo imports arrive, Namibia
15 December 2008


The first consignment of 1000t of cement for the Ohorongo Cement Plant was  delivered at the Port of Walvis Bay last week.

Due to the current shortage of cement in the local market - Namibia’s second attempt at a cement factory - Ohorongo Cement has had to import from its parent company to build its new cement factory earmarked for a site between Otavi and Tsumeb.

The first consignment of 1000t of cement arrived last Friday at the Walvis Bay harbour from the Schwenk Cement Company in Bernburg, Germany.

This delivery of cement signifies Ohorongo’s fast progress in becoming Namibia’s only functional cement factory.

Construction of the Ohorongo Cement factory is expected to commence next month.

However, a company spokesperson emphasised that the cement is for the construction of the factory only, rather than for retailing.

"As expected, this day signals a milestone, not only for Ohorongo Cement, but for Namibia as a whole, because this shipment proves that Ohorongo Cement undoubtedly delivers on its promises, no matter the circumstances," said GM of Ohorongo Cement, Uwe Mueller.

He added: "The building and structuring of the cement plant will now go ahead as planned and this indicates the realisation of our vision for a cement plant and its impact on Namibia."

The company says the arrival of the consignment was by no means the first milestone, as Namibian-contracted companies were already working on-site, clearing the ground for the construction programmes to commence.

Work being done by Namibian companies includes constructing the access road to the plant site and building small amenities such as shops in nearby villages.

Ohorongo Cement expects to have a number of structures in place by the time the official groundbreaking ceremony is held in January.

The climate surrounding the cement industry in Namibia, as well as the rest of the southern African region, has become one riddled with uncertainty and rumours, but Ohorongo Cement now positively contributes to the industry’s image through unwavering delivery and fast growth.

The cement plant will start producing by December 2010 and is expected to churn out 700,000t of cement annually. When operating at full capacity, the plant will also provide 300 permanent jobs and inject millions of dollars into the economy.
Published under Cement News