Legislators laud Hima for empowering communities

Members of Parliament hailing from Eastern Uganda have lauded Hima Cement for choosing their region as the new location for its new grinding station.

While on a site visit to the new plant in Tororo, the MPs led by Hon. Anita Among, the Bukedea District Woman Representative were pleased with the progress of the works at the 1million metric tonne capacity grinding station.

Hon. Anita Among, the Woman MP for Bukedea district leads a team of legislators and Hima Cement staff during a guided tour of the new Hima plant in Tororo

“As members of parliament representing people from Eastern Uganda, we shall do everything within our means to ensure that our investors are protected. Our people have been given a rare opportunity to uplift themselves and it is for this reason we shall ensure that investors such as Hima Cement are given the adequate support,” said Among.

The $40m plant is expected to be completed by June 2018 and will more than double Hima Cement’s capacity from the current 800,000 metric tonnes to about 1.8m tonnes.

Sheila Byenkya (L), the Project Manager of the Tororo Hima Plant takes MPs on a guided tour of the new Hima Cement grinding station in Tororo

Fredrick Angura, the MP for Tororo County North on his part asked the locals to remain patient as Hima Cement works on the final touches. He said those who are not yet employed by the cement maker will find better opportunities as the plant comes online.

“This is a long term investment. One that will lead to the development of not only our infrastructure but also bring about socio-economic benefits. I know there is a huge amount of expectation from our people but let’s give the investor the appropriate support because the benefits will be long term. We have already seen the population around the cement plant growing. That opens up new business opportunities,” he stated.

Sheila Byenkya, the Project Head of Hima’s Expansion Project in Tororo explained that the plant is currently employing between 150 – 200 local persons and that the number expected to rise to between 400 – 500 on completion.

“While sourcing for labour, the locals are given first priority. Currently, we have a few Chinese engineers working on the site temporarily. When completed, the locals will be the majority of the people employed at the plant,” she divulged.