MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-The crippling cement shortage that has hit the country is affecting the construction industry and the Government has moved to stabilise the situation by allowing imports.
In a statement last night, the Ministry said the squeeze in supply emerged after key manufacturers faced simultaneous operational setbacks, including clinker shortages across the sector, scheduled maintenance at Sino-Zimbabwe and breakdowns at PPC and Lafarge plants.
To ease the pressure, government has increased the issuance of cement import licences, approving 145 000 tonnes between the beginning of October and late November.
The Ministry said imported consignments had begun arriving, although ZIMRA’s loss-control checks on importers who evaded surtax have slowed truck clearance at Chirundu.
Government said the sharp growth, driven by both public infrastructure and private developments, had also attracted new investment into the sector, with one new producer joining the market at the end of 2024 and two additional plants expected to come online in Hwange before yearend.
However, the Ministry warned that current national production still falls short of soaring demand, a gap worsened by delays in Zambia where Zimbabwe sources nearly 90 percent of its cement imports.
Local transporters are reportedly spending extended periods waiting for loading, further slowing inflows.
Authorities also condemned opportunistic players exploiting the temporary shortage by charging “exorbitant and ridiculous” prices, urging business to exercise ethics and avoid profiteering.
There are signs of recovery in local production, with Sino-Zimbabwe resuming operations and PPC confirming that its Bulawayo plant has returned to service.
Manufacturers have assured government that they have not increased their factory prices and discouraged panic buying.
In line with efforts to improve efficiency, import licences will now be obtainable in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo and Gweru, with the Minister temporarily waiving the need for a CBCA certificate until 20 December 2025.
Government says Zimbabwe is on track to achieve a cement production surplus before the end of 2026 as major investments mature, with another large project expected to come online by 2027, a development poised to position the country for regional exports.
The ministry added that prospective importers be reminded that licences require an application letter, proforma invoice, current ZIMRA tax clearance, Standard Development Fund receipt, CR14, CR6, certificate of incorporation and payment of the US$100 fee in ZiG.
