Economic crisis plagues Hetauda Cement Industry

Bagmati, Feb 16: The Hetauda Cement Industry (HCI) has faced deepening financial crisis, causing adverse impact on production.    
    
HCI management had shut down the factory since October 1, 2024, reasoning the need for repairing machines. Although it was expected to complete maintenance and resume production from mid November, the administration argued it took more time for repair.     
    
Administration chief and spokesperson, Hareram Aryal, however, said, "Only maintenance is not the reason behind delay in resumption of industry. As the economic crisis is deepening, it is not sure when to resume the industry."    
    
Although the production is nil at present, the spending is regular- salary to employees and fuel costs. It further adds the financial problems, according to him.    
    
Aryal shared that the industry was in need of raw materials. "If it runs daily, at least 120 trucks of coal are required. It is not available now nor has money to purchase it. The previous payment is pending for long."    
    
The employees are also not paid for their extra services.    
    
Established at Lamsure of Hetauda city in 2033 BS, the industry had begun producing cement since 2043BS. The implements are old to use in full capacity for production.    
    
Technical chief Kameshwor Mandal said, "Many equipment are overused and now not functioning well to ensure smooth production." He further said the maintenance was still going on.    
    
When the industry is run in full capacity, it produces as many as 16,000 sacks of cement every day. (RSS)