The Western Cape Government has enthusiastically welcomed the announcement from PPC Cement regarding a significant investment of R3 billion into a new state-of-the-art integrated cement plant. This major project, which is set to enhance the province’s cement production capabilities, involves a memorandum of agreement with Sinoma Overseas Development Company for construction and development.
Expected to break ground in the first quarter of this year and to be commissioned by the end of 2026, the new plant is poised to produce an impressive 1.5 million tons of cement annually. In a progressive move towards sustainability, it will also be equipped with a fully dedicated solar generation system, spotlighting PPC's commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.
Minister of Infrastructure, Simmers, expressed his optimism regarding the investment, stating, “I welcome PPC's decision to expand its investment in our province. Investments such as these play an integral role in the Western Cape Government’s efforts to build more houses for our people, to expand and maintain our road network, and to create an infrastructure-led economy in the Western Cape that creates more jobs.”
This sentiment was echoed by Premier Alan Winde, who praised the investment as a “vote of confidence” in the province’s economic prospects. He emphasised the significance of creating collaborative partnerships that would further bolster growth and employment across the region. “I applaud PPC and Sinoma Overseas Development Company for putting their faith in our province’s drive to boost economic growth and job creation,” he stated. “We will continue to seek out partnerships to achieve our vision of an economy rich in jobs and bursting with growth potential.”
The announcement is part of larger efforts encompassed in the Western Cape Infrastructure Framework 2050, which aims to engage with various stakeholders in the infrastructure sector to ensure that the needs of the local population are met. Minister Simmers remarked, “It is encouraging to see that private companies such as PPC consider the Western Cape Government as a trustworthy partner and have chosen this province to invest in.”
As the province anticipates the commencement of this construction project, stakeholders remain optimistic that the new cement plant will serve as a catalyst for job creation, economic growth, and continuous infrastructure development, solidifying the Western Cape’s status as a desirable investment destination.