The much-awaited construction of a Sh12 billion cement plant in West Pokot county is scheduled to kick off early next year, Governor Simon Kachapin has said. Speaking in Kapenguria after receiving a delegation from the Cemtech Sanghi Group, Kachapin said legal and logistic requirements barring the kick -off have been addressed.
General manager Diptish Nandha assured residents construction work will begin in a few months. “We have solved the two major problems we were facing. One was the quality of limestone content which our experts have assessed to establish the final product.
Our engineers have also managed to solve the ground geometric technicality which affected the location of the plant,” he said. In 2011, the factory acquired 650 hectares of land and residents have been waiting for the establishment of the plant where they expect to get employment. Nandha said machinery for the plant is expected to arrive in the country by January next year.
“More logistics are required to transport the heavy equipment from the port of Mombasa,” he added. Kachapin said his government has completed the necessary procedures required to authorise construction of the plant. He said the project will increase the county’s income base and further create employment opportunities for the youth.
“We are expecting jobs to be created for our youth because this is the first manufacturing company in the county,” said Kachapin. The governor further said the factory officials have promised to use the latest and most environmentally-friendly technology from USA.
He, however, called on the company to fast track constriction to reassure residents who had almost lost hope on construction of the plant. The project will see construction of social amenities such schools, medical and staff training centres and water points for the community.
The factory has projected plans to mine limestone in Pusel, Chepchoi, Sebit, Ortum, Tamkal, Iyang River, Endough, Kiwawa, Alele, Lokinyala and Marich areas. Nandha said the company will give priority to local companies when awarding contracts, adding that they will give first priority to locals for employment.
“So far, we have received 2,000 applicants for construction work,” he said. In June 2010, Prime Minister Raila Odinga broke ground for construction of the cement plant, but construction has been delayed by lack of regulatory approvals.
The plant was given a 99-year lease to mine limestone in the county for manufacture of cement, but residents have been opposing the move. The project will further include a 64 megawatts (MW) power plant, from which 50MW will be sold to Kenya Power.
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