JLP warns of another cement crisis

Wed Jul 12, 2006
JLP warns of another cement crisis
The Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is warning that the country
could soon face another cement crisis.

JLP Spokesperson on Commerce, Senator Shirley Williams, says while there
has been an ease in the cement shortage, indications are that demand
will soon outstrip supply.

She says over the next two to three months, another four major
construction projects are to come on stream resulting in an even greater
demand for cement.

According to Senator Williams, the government must take a more proactive
role in the importation of cement.

She notes that the government has imported cement from Cuba but says
this is nowhere near the additional amount which the sector will require
monthly for the rest of this year.

Earlier this year the construction sector almost came to a standstill as
the Caribbean Cement Company was unable to supply the market.

Since then the government has removed the import duty from cement and
invited the private sector to take up the slack.

At least three companies have already imported several thousand tons of
cement.

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