Cheetah Cement's new facility in Otjiwarongo is starting the rock blasting process as it prepares to begin operations this month. The new plant represents a total investment of US$350m and was constructed by Whale Rock Cement, according to the Namibia Economist.
Plans for the project were first announced in 2015 when a memorandum of understanding was signed with between Cheetah Cement and Asia and Africa Business Management (Xi'an) Co Ltd. Construction of the plant began in August last year and it is expected to have a capacity of over 1.5Mta.
However, a group of Namibian farmers fear that the commencement of operation may affect their water supply, according to The Namibian. The farmers have reportedly refused the local municipality's eviction orders to move their farm and now believe that their water borehole will become poisoned by the rock blasting process.
"We have been trying all-year to get help from the governor, and even made several applications for resettlement from the land reform ministry, but all efforts were in vain," said Thomas Namboa, one of the farmers.
