The Minister of Industry and Commerce, S.G.G. Nyoni updated Cabinet on the measures being implemented to address the current cement shortage on the local market.
Cabinet advises that as at 15 November 2023, 665 applications for cement import had been approved amounting to 149 000 metric tonnes to ease cement shortages and clear backlogs that had been created on the market.
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Cabinet reports that of the 665 approved applications, only 332 import licences were collected.
The approved applications are for manufacturers of cement, wholesalers, and retailers as well as companies in the construction industry.
Furthermore, industry players have been allowed up to 31 December, 2023 to import cement using their own free funds.
The nation is further informed that there is also an Administrative arrangement with ZIMRA to allow the importation of cement amounting to maximum of 5 MT (100 bags of 50kgs cement) for personal use.
The supply gap of cement is expected to decline starting December 2023.
Government continues to review the current cement supply situation and will take decisive action against errant industry players.
Government would also like to assure the public that it has given an ultimatum to players to review their supply and pricing models.
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