Kathmandu: Hetauda Cement Industry, which has been closed for a long time, is going to resume production from the first week of April. Acting General Manager of Hetauda Cement Industry, Engineer Nabin Kumar Karna, said that preparations are underway to start production after the maintenance of the machinery of the industry has been completed, raw materials needed for the industry are ensured, and the employees agreed to work.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the industry had halted operations due to the need for equipment repairs and financial constraints. Engineer Karna explained that the machine, which dates back to the industry’s establishment, required significant repairs. Although a replacement was ideal, financial limitations necessitated the repair of the existing machinery instead. With the repaired machine, cement production can now proceed, supported by a stock of raw materials.
The industry currently has about 100 tonnes of coal in stock, with more expected to arrive imminently, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for production. The issue of electricity, which was another hurdle, is also being addressed. Discussions with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) have led to a commitment to provide regular power supply for the industry’s operations.
Production was previously halted on October 1, 2024, primarily for equipment repairs. The closure has resulted in employees going without salaries and allowances for three months. The industry, capable of producing 16,000 sacks of cement daily, has faced significant challenges due to financial and operational issues.
Established in 1977 at Lamsure of Hetauda, the Hetauda Cement Industry began production in 1987. The resumption of operations is expected to alleviate some of the financial strains and restore employment stability for the workforce.