25 May 2023

The over P9 billion government has budgeted for construction projects this year will create a high demand for cement nationwide.

This was said by Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale when touring Cheetah Cement Factory in Matsiloje yesterday.

“I therefore urge you to take advantage of this opportunity and manufacture more cement and create employment,” he said.

Mr Molale appealed to the company to manufacture high quality cement that would build durable structures.

Noting that cement could be harmful to roads, he advised the company to use rail transport to reach customers throughout the country and even across it borders.

The company heard that in order to be more innovative and to continually improve product quality,  it needed to utilise local research institutions such as Botswana International University of Science and Technology.

Another piece of advice  was for the company to ensure a cordial employer-employee working relationship.

Minister Molale said the two parties should always seek amicable solutions.

The company’s manager, Mr Shentao Li informed the minister that its workforce comprised 51 locals and 11 expatriates while output currently stood at 5 000 bags per day.

Both the staff complement and output were expected to increase once the company became fully operational.

Mr Shentao explained that the company imported most of its raw materials, especially beach sand, from Namibia.

Only a few products such as fly ash from Morupule Coal Mine were sourced locally, he said.

Mr Shentao said the company would consider using local raw materials to produce quality cement.

He disclosed the company’s intension of spreading it’s wings to other parts of the country adding that it had established another factory in Zimbabwe to reach other SADC countries and the rest of Africa.

Giving a vote of thanks, MP for Tati East, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe also underscored the need for a cordial working environment.

He his constituency office was always available to assist when the two encountered problems.

Meanwhile, a Botswana Investment Trade Centre official, Mr Kebaswele Kebaswele stated that Cheetah Cement Factory, in conjunction with it’s parent company, Whade Rock Cement, had invested over P500 million in the Matsiloje factory.

He said when fully operational, the factory was expected to produce 900 000 tonnes of cement annually.

Minister Molale and delegation also toured the 40 kilometre Matsiloje/Francistown Road which is currently under maintenance due to numerous potholes. Ends