Despite Government claims of recovery in the cement industry, the Incorporated Master Builders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) continues to insist that Jamaica is still facing a shortage of the product.

The Ministry of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce (MITEC) reported yesterday that supply totalled approximately 600,000t. But speaking yesterday after the weekly meeting between ministry officials and stakeholders, IMAJ president Michael Archer told The Gleaner that supply still lagged behind what the association expects to be total demand of 1.2Mt for the year.

Carib Cement has also reported that its plant has returned to its 3000 tonnes per day capacity with their expansion programme on target for completion by mid-2008. This will push capacity to 1.2Mt of clinker and 1.8mt of cement.