Pacific Cement Limited has announced a halt in its cement production due to a mill malfunction. As a subsidiary of Fijian Holdings Limited, the company is taking swift action by sending the damaged part to Australia for repairs, which are estimated to last about three months. All key stakeholders have been duly informed of the situation and the expected timeline for resuming production.
To address potential supply shortages during this interruption, Pacific Cement is implementing a strategy to ration its existing inventory while also importing cement to fulfill the essential needs of its primary customers. This proactive approach seeks to alleviate the effects of the production suspension on the construction sector, which has been experiencing its own set of challenges.
Earlier this year, Fiji’s construction industry faced a slowdown, marked by an 8.9% decline in the value of work completed on infrastructure projects compared to the previous year. Despite this, there were promising signs of recovery prior to the current disruption, with increases in cement production and sales indicating a rising demand for construction materials. This growing demand may aid in stabilizing future operations once production resumes.
The situation at Pacific Cement reflects broader issues within Fiji’s manufacturing and construction sectors, where operational efficiency and cost management are paramount. However, the company’s commitment to maintaining supply for its customers during this period, along with the recent positive trends in cement demand, suggests a hopeful outlook for recovery as Pacific Cement navigates through these temporary challenges.
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