The rush for limestone exploitation in West Pokot District has intensified. Cemtech Shanghai, a leading Indian cement manufacturer yesterday started its groundbreaking of a Ksh7 billion cement factory.

The chase for the bare and agricultural barren soils of Ortum and Sebit has attracted investors after feasibility studies indicated limestone deposits could sustain a cement factory for more than 50 years. Cemtech secured 650 acres of land at Sebit after payments running to million of shillings.

Mehta Group, another firm also after the raw material for cement production, has hinted plans to set up a Sh10 billion factory at Ortum, barely a stone throwaway from Sebit, the site of Cemtech’s plant.

The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Raila Odinga assisted by Cemtech Group Chief Executive Rajesh. Excitement and anxiety was noticed in the area with residents led by Industrialisation Permanent Secretary John Lonyangapuo supporting the project.

The project is expected to be operational by December next year and would employ 2,000 people directly and benefit more than 5,000 others indirectly. According to Rawal, the project is expected to produce 1.2 million tonnes of cement annually. The firm also has plans to put up 25 MVA power plant at the site.