By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone: MACCEM has announced the construction of a 0.56Mt/yr cement grinding plant in Hastings, Freetown. The plant, to be situated on a 4.4-hectare site near Hastings Airstrip and the Jui-Masiaka Highway, will complement the existing cement bagging plant already in operation. Civil works for the grinding plant have already begun.
The site clearing and levelling were completed in July 2024, with the remaining construction expected to take 12-15 months. The clinker required for the plant will be imported and transported by road from the Queen Elizabeth II Quay at the Port of Freetown. The IFC is considering a debt financing package of up to US$24 million to support the project.
This development is poised to boost local cement production and contribute to the economic growth of Freetown.