CEMENT INDUSTRY EYES BPC FOR FLY ASH SUPPLY
Botswana Cement Manufacturers Association ( BCMA) has identified Morupule Power station, as a source of fly ash, as the cement industry is putting in place substitution efforts in sourcing raw materials.
“We have engaged with ministry of energy,” said BCMA, Executive Director Nkosi Mwaba, highlighting the ongoing efforts to secure supply of fly ash locally. Mwaba said BCMA has also engaged with the Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry (MITI) on optimising the local supply chain towards enterprise development and employment.
Currently, the local economy depends on South Africa for key raw materials such as clinker and fly ash for cement manufacturing. Mwaba said opportunities exist for local enterprises in the value chain, adding that the Association is committed to supporting Batswana. “Our members are committed to engaging all local stakeholders in smart partnerships and have committed to corporate social responsibility efforts that will enhance the livelihood of Batswana while developing our communities.”
The three local industry players in the cement industry are Kago Phepa in Mahalapye, PPC Botswana in Gaborone and Matsiloje Portland Cement in Francistown. The companies contribute over 70 percent of total country demand while the balance is imported from South Africa and Namibia. However, the Association wants to ensure that the local industry is sufficiently protected from predatory pricing behaviour by external players. “We also need to make sure that there isn’t an unnecessary overflow of imports,” said Mwaba. Cement industry players have been hoping for a statutory instrument that will limit and control the import of the product into the country.