KARACHI, Oct 22: As cement manufacturers accelerate their capacity expansion programmes, Lucky Cement has begun the long-awaited commercial production of its third line of expansion project (trial production had started in September).

“We have now started to despatch 2,000 tons per day of commercial production into the market, from this line”, A.R. Thaplawala, executive director of the company said, speaking from the plant at Pezu in Bannu Division of NWFP, where the company held its shareholders’ meeting on Thursday (Oct 20).

He said that another 3,500 tons of cement from the new line would be despatched to the market next month and 3,500 tons per day within the next four months.

It has to be seen how quickly the rest of the companies that are currently in the throes of giant expansions and optimizations are able to come on stream. Those include Pioneer; Pakistan Cement (previously Chakwal); Maple Leaf; Cherat, Bestway, Dewan (formerly Pakland); Dewan Hattar (formerly Saadi) and others.

All the world’s production of tents is heading towards Northern Pakistan, where millions of homeless people are being provided temporary shelter before the onset of harsh winter. But in about six months, the process of reconstruction would have to begin. Experts are still unsure if cement blocks would be the most important ingredient in the reconstruction of nearly 3.3 million houses that have been totally devastated by the earthquake.

There are suggestions of using wood and clay instead of bricks. Opponents of the idea, however, fear environmental damages, such as deforestation, if the trees are cut down in such huge number. But in any case, the government holds on its priority list rebuilding of damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, government offices and schools. Already in short supply would the indigenous production of 18 to 23 million tons of cement be able to meet the upcoming unprecedented surge in demand. It would doubtless crop up as the most important question after the current stage of rescue, relief and temporary rehabilitation in tentage villages is over. Experts recommend that instead of waiting till the eleventh hour, the government must begin consultations and planning about cement, regarding its demand, supply, production and pricing.