Relief on cement prices

MEATU: THE government has removed taxes on cement and key raw materials used in its production, including clinker, in measures aimed at reducing prices and making the commodity more affordable, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has announced.

He said the measures are intended to lower production and importation costs, assuring consumers that cement prices will begin returning to normal levels in the near future.

Dr Mwigulu announced the good news yesterday while addressing residents of Kisesa Constituency at a public rally held at Mwandoya Police Grounds in Meatu District, Simiyu Region. Responding to concerns raised by a resident, Mr John Thomas, over rising cement prices, the Prime Minister said the government had already taken action to address the situation.

“The government has already taken action on the rising cement prices and we have put in place measures to ensure that prices return to normal levels,” he said. He said the government removed taxes on cement and imported key raw materials used in its production, including clinker, to reduce costs for manufacturers and importers.

“You will soon begin to see cement prices return to normal levels because we have removed taxes on clinker and cement imports to reduce production and importation costs, ultimately bringing down the price of cement,” he said.

Speaking in Mara Region on October 3, this year, Dr Nchemba directed the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to remove taxes on clinker, a key raw material used in cement production.

Dr Mwigulu said the removal of the tax would help ensure a reliable supply of cement and make prices more affordable for consumers.

On infrastructure, Dr Mwigulu directed Minister for Works, Mr Masanja Kadogosa, to expedite the feasibility study for the 273-kilometre Bariadi-Itilima-Mwandoya-Meatu-Singida road to facilitate its inclusion in the 2027/28 financial year budget for upgrading to bitumen standard.

He said the road was an important economic link that would improve transport, trade and other economic activities among residents of Simiyu, Mara and Singida regions.

Dr Mwigulu said Simiyu was among the country’s major food-producing regions and that upgrading the road would make it easier for farmers and traders to access markets in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam.

“Simiyu is among the regions that produce large quantities of food in the country. If this road is upgraded to bitumen standard, it will provide a major opportunity for residents to conduct business with Dodoma and Dar es Salaam,” he said.

He directed Mr Kadogosa to ensure technical experts expedite the process, stressing that the road serves communities beyond Mwandoya and connects the region with other parts of the country, including the national capital.

“I want the Bariadi-Singida road upgraded to bitumen standard. I am directing you, Minister Kadogosa, to ensure that your technical experts supervise the project. This road is important not only to residents of Mwandoya but also to people in Mara Region, as it provides a vital link to the country’s  capital,”  he said.

Mr kadogosa assured residents that the government would implement the project, saying technical experts were conducting a feasibility study to facilitate its inclusion in the 2027/28 financial year budget. He described the road as economically important because it connects three major zones: the Lake Zone, Central Zone and Northern Zone.