By Joseph Mwendapole , The Guardian
THE government has said it will direct efforts to enhance local production of white cement to reduce reliance on imports and save foreign exchange.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Exaud Kigahe made the commitment over the weekend in Mkuranga district, when he was officially launching Fortune Cement Plant, which specifically produces white cement.
He said the construction of the factory will not only create job opportunities and foreign exchange earnings through exports of produced white cement, but also stimulate the local economy.
More than half of the raw materials required for the factory’s production are sourced locally.
With the exception of white clinker which is imported, the locally available raw materials include Dolomite and gypsum.
He said the construction industry will reduce the cost of importing raw materials, creating more jobs for Tanzanian youth and the government will earn foreign currency through exports.
“Let me assure you that the government, through the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will collaborate closely with you to ensure that your products are being exported to other African countries under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He said the government continues to encourage investment in industrial sectors by enhancing enabling infrastructure such as the Uhuru railway, the construction of a modern Standard Gauge Railway, improving efficiency in cargo handling at ports and constructing a new state-of-the-art airport in Dar es Salaam capable of accommodating airports larger aircraft.
“We are also investing to ensure reliable gas and electricity supply both in urban and rural areas and we are finalizing the construction of the Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Power project, which upon its completion, will have the capacity to generate 2,300 MW of electricity,” he said
He said the government acknowledges that the industrial sector is crucial in fostering the economic growth of the country and improving the lives of the people.
“The industrial sector serves as the catalyst for the rapid development of various nations,” he said.
“The country and the region in general has been depending on the importation of white cement as the result the region spends large proportions of its budgets every year to import these products from abroad,” he said.
Mkuranga District Commissioner, Khadija Nassir said the district is estimated to have 120 industries, but it still does not have enough electricity to meet the needs at the moment.
She said that the electricity demand currently reaches 60 Megawatts per day, but only an average of 50 Megawatts is available.
She advised the government through the Tanzania electric Company Tanesco to do what is possible to ensure that they get enough electricity quickly.
"If we get enough and reliable electricity we will continue to attract more investment in our district because electricity is the biggest need for industrial production," she said.
No comments :
Post a Comment