Lesotho plans 200 000 tpa cement plant

Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) is planning to build a 200 000 tpa cement plant to meet the demand from the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, according to a recent announcement.

LNDC CEO Joshua Setipa said, “What we are looking for is to leverage the demand arising from phase 2 construction activity to build a cement factory in Lesotho so that we no longer remain dependent on South African cement. That holds true for a range of products that will initially benefit from phase 2 activity and then continue for decades to come,” he added.

Lesotho has reportedly begun communications with some major cement producers about the planned plant, which will require an estimated R400 million investment. The Chilanga cement plant in Zambia is cited as an example of such a facility initially built to supply a dam construction project and still supplying the country’s cement needs more than 50 years later.

The LNDC acts to provide finance, such as loan guarantees, and expert advice for FDI and domestic investments and will take an equity stake where necessary to mitigate risk.

Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui