The Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, inaugurated the much-delayed Dungsam Cement Corporation Limited, yesterday. The country’s largest cement plant, worth Nu.10.4 BN took more than 30 years to take-off, since its geological investigations began in 1982.
Lyonchhen said the plant would benefit the people of Nganglam in Pema Gatshel, where the company is based, in terms of road, bridges, employment, and township, among others.
“The plant will contribute substantially toward the country’s economic development,” said the Prime Minister.
The project was even shelved in 2001, after being in a limbo, for about a decade due to security reasons. It was revived in 2006 with an aim to produce a half a million ton of cement every year.
In 2009, the then government issued an order for Dungsam Cement Project to be incorporated as Druk Holding and Investments owned companies.
But then, there was a holdup again. The plant was to take 27 months to be started but it was delayed by 22 months.
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“We had to excavate the access foundation four more times than we initially thought of,” said DCCL’s Chief Executive Officer, Dorji Norbu.
He said then followed modification and rectification. “Our machinery was held in India due to strikes and we also had labour shortages,” said the CEO.
Since the partial operation of the plant in January, this year, DCCL earned Nu. 602 MN through cement and Nu.502 through clinkers.
