KAMPALA, UGANDA-Hima Cement, a subsidiary of La Farge has said it has strategically positioned itself to meet demands arising from the construction boom in Uganda with the launch of their bulk cement business line.

Bulky cement business is a new delivery service that offers contractors a more efficient mode of receiving cement at their construction sites. This reduces logistics costs associated with handling bagged cement.

It involves having trucks that carry cement in large quantities direct to construction sites. Each truck has a capacity to transport 28 to 32 tons of cement.

This means a cleaner environment and faster completion of projects as less time is spent loading, unloading and emptying the cement from bags. This will also save contractors from pilfering and tearing losses.

“This mode of delivering cement is the standard practice in developed countries. Uganda is on a rapid growth path and as a key player we are ready to meet the demands in this market. We are evolving from being a producer of cement only, to a partner for solutions,” said Daniel Pettersson, Hima Cement Country CEO during the bulk cement launch at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.

The introduction of the service comes as the country sees a rise in the number of big infrastructure projects boosted by high levels of public and private investments.

Investments in transportation infrastructure, power plants and utilities, commercial construction and property development are expected to rise further in the forthcoming years prior to first commercial oil production.

Pettersson said demand for Cement in the country is projected to grow at a faster rate of 13% outpacing GDP 7% and electricity demand at 10%.