Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced that the new Cerro Azul cement works, located in El Pinto Piar, Monagas state, is scheduled to enter service in September.

"Right now we need to get the power line to ensure sufficient supply of energy to start the work and have no more delays. The plant is almost ready. We expect that in September we can start the production of cement," said Chavez.

The construction of the plant is being realised with support of Iran and when online, will provide the country with an additional 1Mta of cement production capacity. The Portland cement produced in the works will be used to further the state’s Gran Misión Vivienda Venezuela housing programme.