The North West Provincial Executive Council (Exco) has welcomed an investment of more than R1,1 billion that is to boost job creation in the province.
Premier Thandi Modise says that the investment by Sephaku Cement, an associate company of Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed, Sephaku Holding Limited for the construction of a cement production facility represents the largest investment in a South African enterprise by an African Company.
Construction of the Aganang Cement Project stretching over an area of 65 hectares at a site situated about 35 kilometres outside Lichtenburg commenced three months ago.
The limestone mine, clinker and cement manufacturing plant with a guaranteed kiln production capacity of 6000 tons per day, the biggest single kiln line in South Africa is targeting to manufacture approximately 1.2 million tons of cement per annum.
Three hundred and two previously unemployed people 50% of whom are from the province are currently employed on the project which is also expected to create 650 employment opportunities for local sub contractors.
Sinoma International has reportedly also spent R500 million locally towards construction of the cement market is targeting to supply Gauteng, Northern and North Western region of the country with cement for the next 40years.
The provincial government is engaged in discussion with Sephaku Cement regarding the upgrading of the 24,65 kilometre D933 Gelukspan road between the cement factory and the R503 Lichtenburg/Mahikeng road for it to carry the expected increase in truck loading during the operational phase of the project support.
Meanwhile, an agreement has been reached with all crop farmers belonging to the Kopanong Communal Property Authority affected by the mining operations on the farm Verwaal 57 10 and Stiglingspan 7310 to compensate them with R1500 per hectare per annum for as long as the land cannot be cultivated as a result of mining operations.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Spokesperson)
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
