For some time now there has been a shortage of cement on the market and this is due to delays in the arrival of ships transporting this commodity and this is due to the priority for the transport of food goods taking precedence over the transportation of cement.

But we can confirm that a shipment of cement will arrive in Sweden, and if it goes well, it will start selling next week, and the members of the National Assembly will learn from this morning’s session.

It was the Minister responsible for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Devika Vidot, who provided the information to members of the lake and answered questions from opposition leader Sebastien Pillay.

The Honorable Pillay’s question reads as follows:

Following the great concern expressed in relation to a problem of cement shortage in the local market, whether the Assembly can get an explanation as to whether the government has made any analysis to determine what exactly is happening, and whether there are any measures the government intends to take to help. solve that problem? ‘

Minister Vidot reminded the members of the National Assembly that the government is not in the business of importing or selling cement so that this activity does not fall directly under any ministry unlike the fuel that falls under Seypec which is a government entity under the jurisdiction of the ministry responsible for finance. This activity is entirely in the hands of the private sector, but despite this, the cement market is of great interest to the government because the price of cement has a direct impact on the cost of construction which in turn affects individuals and development in the country.

The Minister said that the size was also of great importance to his ministry and said that in order to answer this question, he had several discussions with the cement importers who highlighted the facts and realities that they were facing.

“What we can see from the discussions is that there are some delays in Seychelles’ cement ships and some of the largest regular suppliers have explained that recently these small cement ships have been delayed due to priority. It was the transportation of foodstuffs and with the current economic situation in the world, this took precedence over the transportation of cement, ”said Minister Vidot.

He said the importers have also confirmed that they have completed their order for another two loads of cement by the end of the year.

“In addition to what we understand, there will soon be another supplier to focus on cement imports that will help with the amount of stock ahead and its cargo is expected to enter the country next week,” Minister Vidot informed members. Assembly.

It also states that a supplier has expressed concern about delays due to bad weather. There are also other suppliers who, according to the minister, are expected to ship their cargo by the end of the year. “All of this is expected to help restore cement stocks to the market,” said Minister Vidot.

Regarding the measures that the government intends to take to help solve this problem, Minister Vidot stressed that the government is always looking for ways to stabilize the cost of construction on these two islands.

Source: Seychelles Nation