Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

At least 40,000 tonnes of cement per month will be needed to sustain the construction industry come next year, according to Michael Archer, president of the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ).

Mr. Archer said that with the development of Spain's Fiesta Hotel Group scheduled to begin next year in Hanover, as well as other projects, if this amount of cement is not on the market, the industry could swing back into crisis.

Earlier this year several projects were halted and numerous workers lost their jobs due to a shortfall caused by the recall of 500,000 tonnes of faulty cement distributed by Caribbean Cement limited and uncertainties surrounding product quality from the same company.

The shortage was relieved in September following importation of the product by the government, Mainland International and ARC Systems Limited.

However, Mr. Archer said that indications have been made as to the amount of cement needed for next year.

"We have indicated that we need 1.3 million tonnes in the market to have it fully satisfied and from all indications so far, efforts and arrangements are being made to meet that quantum," he said.

Private importers

"We have a handle on what the demand is and that has been communicated to the private importers and, therefore, we expect next year to have around 500,000 to 600,000 tonnes of cement imported," he emphasised.

Meanwhile, the IMAJ boss has expressed concern about the time it takes for approvals for development projects, especially those along the north coast, to be made. This, he hopes, will be addressed at a luncheon scheduled for Wednesday with new chief executive officer of the National Environment and Planning Agency, Leary Myers.