PPC Barnet DRC’s $280 million integrated cement plant is on target for commissioning by the end of 2016.
Civil work is scheduled for completion by the end of September 2015, and structural steel work and mechanical erection have begun on the preheater tower, kiln piers, clinker cooler, incoming material conveyors, raw material crushers, stackers and reclaimers.
Craig Waterson, MD, PPC Barnet DRC, a subsidiary of PPC Limited, says that, once fully commissioned, the plant’s capacity is one million tons of cement per year, and is expected to reach this milestone by 2018.
“This will be a game-changer as the DRC is currently a net importer of cement.” With infrastructure development a priority in Central Africa, and investment by government and private sector reflecting the region’s positive growth rate, the plant’s construction has created significant interest within and beyond the country’s borders.
The plant at Kimpese is well placed to service not only the Kinshasa market, but also the southern provinces of Kongo Central and Bandundu. The port at Kinshasa also offers access to the Congo River providing a route to the interior of the country.
It is also positively impacting local job creation and community upliftment. The PPC Barnet DRC Technical School (Centre de Formation Technique) will be celebrating the graduation of its first intake of students at the end of the September – many of whom are hoping to pursue careers in the manufacturing and construction sectors.
Roads in and around the plant have also been upgraded and a bridge built to improve transport infrastructure in the region.
Power from the national grid will also be available on site by the end of June next year and power supply will also be extended to nearby villages.
“PPC Barnet DRC’s investment in the country and region is a long-term commitment based on the potential and promise we see in the economy here,” Waterson adds.
“We invite government and private sector stakeholders to continue to be part of our journey in the DRC, and partner with us to build a thriving economy as we bring PPC’s brand promise of ‘Our strength. Your vision’ to life in a real and meaningful way”
Follow PPC on Twitter @PPCisCement, like us on www.facebook.com/PPC.Cement and visit www.ppc.co.za.
