A section of residents of Cheramei area in Turbo Sub County was on Wednesday taken on a tour of Simba Cement Company in Nakuru County.
The tour was part of public participation in the environmental social impact assessment for the proposed cement grinding plant that is being set up in their area.
Construction works for the over Ksh6.7 billion ($50 million) plant are already ongoing in Cheramei, Kamagut ward, Turbo Sub County.
While touring the factory with neighbours of the upcoming plant, Acting Chief Officers Ambrose Tarus (Trade), and Nixon Cheplong (Cooperatives and Enterprise Development) noted that the project was part of Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim’s ‘Nguzo Kumi’ agenda which is under implementation.
Tarus further challenged the residents to welcome the project.
Job creation
He noted that once complete, it will create a huge impact through job creation for hundreds of youth as well as turn around the economy.
Similar sentiments were also echoed by his counterpart for Cooperatives Cheplong.
The visit comes a few weeks after the governor hosted Devki Steel Mills Managing Director, Kaushik Pandit on the setting up of the factory – the only one in the region.
Proposed Simba Cement Liaison officer Tele Kimutai led the Cheramei team delegation on discussions and findings in relation to the upcoming project that included environmental issues, positive and negative impacts, mitigation measures, and project alternatives among other aspects.
The plant will be sitting on approximately 22 acres piece of land.
Upon completion, it will not only provide over 1500 direct and indirect jobs to residents of the county but also open up the region.
The County’s marketing points to investors are pegged on the established conducive business environment characterized by ease of doing business; the availability of land, the provision of water and electricity and the skilled workforce.
Meanwhile, Governor Bii has been working towards making sure that the county becomes an industrial hub by meeting all the investor requirements to realize the setting up of industries and expansion of the existing ones.
