Habesha Cement forced to halt production

Habesha Cement, has halted its cement production at its plant near Holeta city, Oromia State due to a security threat. The decision was made after young anti-government protestors occupied the cement manufacturing plant which was inaugurated last April.

Mesfin Abi (Eng), CEO of Habesha Cement SC, explained production was suspended. "More than 20 youngsters from the locality and other places occupied the mining area hampering our operation. We are working with the local community and administration to amicably solve the problem," he explained.

The plant has production capacity of 1.4Mta and PPC increased its shareholding in the company to 51 per cent in 2014.

In a related development, five trucks belonging to the Dangote group have also been torched by protesters in Ethiopia.