KINGSTON, Jamaica, Apr. 23, CMC – Jamaica is facing a cement shortage, but industry stakeholders say supply conditions are expected to improve within weeks as efforts are underway to stabilise production.
The Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) said it received assurances from Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL) during a meeting on Wednesday that the current shortfall should begin easing over the next three weeks, with a return to normal supply levels anticipated by mid-May.
According to IMAJ, CCCL outlined several factors contributing to the shortage and indicated that corrective measures are already in progress. These include plans to increase production output to close the existing supply gap and initiatives to strengthen plant resilience to prevent future disruptions.
The association also noted that discussions addressed the need to align production capacity with rising demand across the construction sector, particularly in light of expected increases tied to reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
IMAJ said it will continue to engage with CCCL and other stakeholders to monitor progress, stressing that a steady and reliable cement supply is critical to the construction industry and the wider economy.
Meanwhile, Deanall Barnes, executive director of Atlantic Hardware and Plumbing, confirmed that the market remains tight. He attributed the shortage to demand outpacing supply, driven in part by government housing programmes such as the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) initiative and the Tourism Housing Assistance and Recovery Programme (THARP), both aimed at supporting rebuilding efforts after hurricane damage.
Officials say these programmes have increased demand for construction materials, further straining supply in the short term.
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