Hetauda Cement Industry resumes operation; only 9,000 sacks of cement are planned for everyday production

The Hetauda Cement Industry remained closed for three weeks following the prohibitory order in the wake of the spread of coronavirus has resumed operation. General Manager Prem Shankar Singh informed that the industry was resumed with the permission of local administration.

He further said there were adequate human resources and raw materials for cement production. However, the production is not on the full scale- only 9,000 sacks of cement are planned for everyday production.

The industry was not operated on the full scale because of the prohibitory order imposed in various districts including the Kathmandu Valley and disruption on construction activities. The disruption of construction activities obviously affected the sales and distribution of the cement.

Similarly, a tender was issued for coal citing the possible shortage. In the first phase of the nationwide lockdown, the industry was, however, able to sell nearly half-million sacks of cement.

The industry was closed for a time and again due to machinery dysfunction last year. It resulted in a huge loss. It is said the industry spent a huge amount to repair the old machines.

The industry administration said investment cost was higher than the production because of old machines.