New multibillion cement factory to boost economy

By a Correspondent, Mtwara

Over two million tons of cement is expected to be produced in the country per annum after the completion of the construction of a huge cement factory in Mtwara region.

The massive investment which is expected to also create 400 permanent job opportunities  is implemented  by a renowned Nigerian tycoon, Mr. Aliko Dangote. Thanks Tanzania Investment Centre for facilitating the project.

The Acting Executive Director of Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), Mr. Raymond Mbilinyi explained these during his tour to a place where the industry is being built over the weekend in Mtwara region.

“This investment will help boost the economy of the Southern regions and the whole country at large,” he said while talking to journalists here.

Explaining on the importance of the investment expected to be completed after eighteen months, Mr. Mbilinyi said that apart from creating employment, the factory will stimulate other investments in the Southern parts of the country.

“Statistics shows that we had a cement deficit of one million tons by 2011, so this investment will help solve this problem,” he said.

He noted that it is conducive investment climate created by the government and the private sector that has attracted Mr. Dangote to come in Tanzania. The investor has interests in various parts of African continent.

“The government will continue creating attractive investment climate for more potential investors and existing ones,” he noted.    

On his part, the Mtwara Regional Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Simbakalia said cement is a requisite in modern construction; therefore, the coming of the factory is a blessing for people in Southern parts of the country.

“This investment adds up to what Mtwara will hugely contribute to the nation’s coffers,” he said, referring to gas deposits available in the region.

Mr Simbakalia said it was no secret that the region has a lot of investment potentials where were yet to be fully utilized hence called more both local and foreign investors to take advantages of those opportunities.

He also appreciated the efforts by the government through TIC in promoting and marketing the existing investments in the country.

The Dangote soil expert, Mr. John Olalokun, said that they have already done a thorough investigation and concluded that the region has enough raw materials needed for producing enough cement.

“We will do our best for this Southern region and the whole country at large,” he noted.

Ends.