The Cheetah Cement factory outside Otjiwarongo allegedly lost more than N.dollars 6 million during its two-week forced closure by the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation.

Mine Manager, Immanuel Shilongo, on Monday told Nampa in an interview that even though production of cement commenced at the factory last Tuesday, the company incurred heavy losses.

“There was no production, we had to pay salaries and also purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) outside the country,” he said.

Shilongo stated that the PPE alone cost the company over N.dollars 600 000.

Shortfalls which were detected at the cement’s grinding station, cement miller, rotor pack, cement warehouse and cement workshop were also repaired before the opening last week, he said.

“All 250 workers of the company are back at work, and we have already conducted a one-day induction for them,” said Shilongo.

Cheetah Cement was closed on 10 May 2022 after labour inspectors discovered that the company did not comply with the stipulated health and safety conditions for employees in the mining industry.

Cheetah Cement allegedly did not have in place any recommended mining PPE or an emergency room on site for first aid in case of an injury.

Workers had also numerous complaints related to low wages and a lack of medical aid and pension.

In a media statement issued on 27 May 2022, the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation indicated that it lifted the ban on the cement production at the mine.

The ministry made several recommendations, such as the creation of an emergency and first aid room, as well as the fencing of the mine’s blasting area.

The company was also urged to introduce a health and safety policy and procedure document.

Labour inspectors were at Cheetah Cement on 16 to 20 May 2022 to inspect the facility, read the statement.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency