VP Ndejembi orders an urgent solution to rising cement prices and restore it affordable levels

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to work with cement manufacturers to urgently find a solution to rising cement prices and restore the commodity to affordable levels for Tanzanians.

Speaking at the 19th Presidential Awards for Best Industrial Producers (PMAYA) held at SuperDome, Masaki in Dar es Salaam, the VP said the government’s vision is to ensure Tanzanians afford a bag of cement at a reasonable price.

“I want the ministry and cement producers to align the production of all raw materials used in cement manufacturing to ensure adequate supply and affordability of the product,” he stated.

Additionally, the Vice-President called for an assessment of the country’s industrial growth to determine whether the expansion was making local industries competitive in regional, African and global markets.

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Moreover, Mr Ndejembi warned businesses involved in illegally importing counterfeit goods that evade taxes and other statutory charges, saying the government would continue taking strong legal action against them.

According to the VP, counterfeit imports undermine local industries, deprive the government of revenue and weaken the competitiveness of locally manufactured products.

“I urged local manufacturers to increase the processing and value addition of raw materials within the country, this will help in creating more employment opportunities for Tanzanians and contribute to economic growth,” he said.

He further directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to verify accurate statistics on the number of industries operating in the country to facilitate strategies to increase membership of the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), creating a unified platform for representing local manufacturers.

At the event, President Samia was presented with an honorary award in recognition of her contribution to improving the investment and industrial environment in Tanzania.