Habesha cement plant inaugurated

Addis Ababa, April 19, 2017 (FBC) –Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, along with other officials, today inaugurated a cement plant built by Habesha Cement Share Company at a cost of 155 million US dollars.

More than 16,000 Ethiopians have invested their knowledge and capital in the establishment of the plant which has the capacity to produce 1.4 million tons of cement per annum.

As a result of massive investment in cement industry, the country has raised its annual production capacity to 16.4 million tons now from only 1.8 million tons 10 years ago, Hailemariam said at the inauguration ceremony.

The Premier further said Habesha cement factory will contribute its share for the success of the target set out to raise Ethiopia’s annual cement production capacity to 27 million tons by 2020.

Ethiopia, which was known previously for importing cement from abroad, has now began export after meeting its local demand, the Premier noted.

Ahmed Abitew, Minister of Industry, for his part said the plant, which was inaugurated today, will further encourage Ethiopia’s booming construction industry.

Situated around Holeta town, 35km far from Addis Ababa, Habesha cement factory is owned by 16,500 Ethiopians and two South African companies, namely Pretoria Portland Cement Company and Industrial Development Corporation.

Habesha cement plant produces Portland Pozzolana and Ordinary Portland cements, it was noted.