Whale Rock Cement ready to start production in April

Whale Rock Cement, a joint venture between Chinese businesses and a Namibian partner, is to start producing cement in April, under the Cheetah Cement brand, according to company spokesperson Manfred Uxamb.

Mr Uxamb said the plant will start operating at the end of next month but will only be fully operational by the end of August 2018. The US$350m plant will have a cement capacity of 1.2Mta making it the country's largest cement producer with a staff of 600.

According to Mr Uxamb, cement manufactured at the plant will be sold locally and on international markets.

"Whale Rock Cement will be the largest cement factory in Namibia and has a lifespan of 50 years with the best limestone in the area. The Cheetah Cement brand is entering the market to uplift the living standard of Namibians and to bring competitive prices in the market and to make the building industry affordable," he said.