Govt vows to revive Hetauda Cement Industry

Bagmati, May 24: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Gaurikumari Yadav, inspected the state-owned Hetauda Cement Industry at Lamshure, Hetauda on Sunday. The industry has been battered by prolonged financial and operational crisis.

During a discussion with management and employees following the inspection, Minister Yadav remarked that it was 'very unfortunate' that a state-owned cement factory had been forced to shut down while, she observed, private cement companies continue operating regularly. 

The Minister shared that the government is studying ways to resume the Cement Industry's regular operation. She also reaffirmed government's commitment to reopening all closed state-owned industries.

Minister Yadav argued that the closure of such industries not only affects employment but also impedes the national economy and thus called for cooperation from management and workers to revive sick and defunct industries.

Likewise, Acting General Manager of the Cement Industry, Shivanarayan Sah briefed Minister Yadav that the industry had shut down due to outdated machinery, frequent breakdowns and a shortage of raw materials caused by financial difficulties. 

He shared that the employees had not received salaries and benefits for the past 11 months, while, he added, the industry had also failed to clear old dues to raw material suppliers and pay electricity bills.

Established in 2033 BS at Lamsure, Hetauda, the cement industry began cement production since 2043 BS. 

Technical experts said that its equipment has become redundant and is no longer capable of efficient production, calling for State's positive intervention to breathe new life into this sick industry. (RSS)