A shortage of cement at distribution points is expected to continue in Rwanda, while retail prices will remain high until regional manufacturers resume production at the end of April 2018, according to CemNet Newsroom on 9th April 2018. The maintenance of Cimerwa factory is expected to continue for the next three weeks. Meanwhile to supply the additional demand, the country will import cement from Uganda, Tanzania and Asia. Rwanda imported 79,573t from Tanzania and 164,814t from Uganda last year, according to the Rwanda Revenue Authority.

Dr Clark was at the Cimerwa operation in 2016 and again in 2017 as part of the technical due diligence for the proposed merger of PPC and AfriSam. Let’s hope Cimerwa can get back on stream and cut those shortages.