By Chisomo Phiri
Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, has reiterated the government’s commitment to lowering cement prices in the country.
Currently , some traders are selling a 50kg bag of cement at an illegal price of K50,000.
Speaking during a media briefing at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe on Wednesday night, Mumba said his ministry is deeply concerned about the rising cost of cement, which is negatively affecting Malawians in the construction sector.
He stressed that the cement industry is a strategic sector that contributes greatly to the country’s economic growth, and therefore, government intervention is essential to stabilise prices.
Mumba said bold measures have already been taken to facilitate the importation of low-cost cement and these include engaging major producers in Zambia, who have agreed to supply Malawi with 300 tonnes of 32.5N Portland cement per day at $105 per tonne — a $9 reduction per tonne.
The minister further revealed that similar discussions were held with Sinoma Company Ltd, which has proposed to supply cement at $105 per tonne for 32.5N and $118 per tonne for 42.5N, representing a $7 reduction per tonne.
To further ease costs, he said the government has also removed the 10 percent surcharge on imported cement.
Mumba disclosed that 12,000 bags of cement are expected to arrive in the country this week, signalling the government’s resolve to ensure affordable cement is readily available.
The minister also issued a stern warning to traders against exploiting the current shortage by inflating prices, stressing that such practices will not be tolerated.
