Cheetah Cement mining hours limited by labour ministry

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Cement mining production hours at Cehetah Cement factory were on Friday reduced by the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation.

In a notice issued by the ministry, Cheetah Cement was ordered to stop carrying out operational activities at the mining site starting from 18h00 to 06h00 due to insufficient lights at the site.

The notice further indicates that the mining site for the factory is a health and safety risk to workers due to the poor lighting there.

The same notice also temporarily suspended the use of forklift machines inside the factory until they are serviced to a satisfactory level.

“The notice is in full force from 19 August 2022 until all corrective measures are effected to the occupational and health safety officers of the ministry,” stated the notice.

Cheetah Cement’s General Manager, Kevin Lee is reportedly in Botswana and referred Nampa to the company’s public relations officer, Tabby Moyo.

Moyo on Saturday said the suspension is only for the night production, which will not affect the company as the mining activities for the day are enough for the needed cement materials.

“Any other irregularities indicated in the notice will be resolved as soon as possible,” said Moyo.

This is the second time cement production at Cheetah Cement outside Otjiwarongo has been shut-down by the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation due to non-compliance of labour laws relating to the health and safety of employees.

In May this year, the factory was closed and was only opened after 11 days when the factory rectified errors which were singled out at its grinding station, cement miller, rotor pack, cement warehouse and cement workshop.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency