MPs laud Hima’s $104m venture

May 05, 2008

PARLIAMENTARIANS on the natural resources committee have pledged to expeditiously support Hima Cement’s $104m investment plan. Emmanuel Dombo, the committee’s head, explained that the move would make cement affordable.

By Ibrahim Kasita

PARLIAMENTARIANS on the natural resources committee have pledged to expeditiously support Hima Cement’s $104m investment plan. Emmanuel Dombo, the committee’s head, explained that the move would make cement affordable.

He was speaking during a two-day fact-finding tour of the Kasese-based factory and the proposed Dura rehabilitation quarry in Kamwenge district.

“We are in total support of such impressive investment plans.The country cannot afford to delay such projects any more,” Dombo said. We are committed to ensuring that obstacles delaying the project are removed so that the projects start immediately for the benefit of our people and country.”

He promised to speak to the works ministry to explain why they had delayed to permit Hima to rehabilitate the Hima-Dura Railway line.Dombo said there was need to balance environmental sustainability and development programmes to transform society.

John Kigyagi, the Mbarara Municipality legislator, said all environmental bottlenecks related to the re-opening of the Dura quarry should be addressed.

“We are asking you environmental questions so that we get the answers to defend the project when questions arise in Parliament,” he said.

“We want to defend the project with right answers. So ensure that all environmental-related issues are mitigated and solved.”

David Njoroge, the Hima Cement managing director, said the firm was constructing a 480,000 tonne cement grinding plant.

“The total project cost is $104m.
“The economic impacts include cement availability, creation of jobs, increased tax revenue and positive trade balance, which will boost regional development,” Njoroge explained.

He said the Dura limestone reserve would provide extra seven metric tonnes of cement. “We are committed to the rehabilitation of Dura quarry to the highest standard. Protection of the environment and quarry rehabilitation are always high on our agenda.

“The availability of our investment is dependant on availability of sufficient limestone reserves,” he insisted.

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