Namibia’s sole cement manufacturer, Ohorongo Cement, says 2015 has seen tremendous results compared to the same time in all preceding years since the company started production in 2011.
MD Hans-Wilhelm Schutte attributed the much-improved performance to an increase in infrastructure projects by both the government and the private sector, as well as export inroads made in neighbouring countries.
He noted that massive cement-consuming infrastructure projects such as NamPort’s port expansion and the Neckartal dam have made notable contributions to Ohorongo’s rcent performance.
Notable inroads have been made in countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
He expressed disappointment at border control frustrations in exporting cement to Angola. “Sometimes the trucks have to wait at the border for four to six days and this is just unacceptable,” added Schutte.
Also, regarding the outcome of the ongoing court case, for which judgement is being awaited, where infant industry protection (IIP) is being challenged by a cement importer, Schutte remarked that it is Ohorongo’s intention to remain competitive in the medium to long-term, both domestically and in the region.
“I think it’s great that African countries are protecting their own markets,” said Schutte.
The Germany-based Swenk Group, through Swenk Namibia (Pty) Ltd is the majority owner of Ohorongo Cement, with minority shares held by the Industrial Development Corporation, the Development Bank of Namibia and the Development Bank of South Africa.
