Cement price surges in Eswatini

The price of cement has risen sharply by 34 percent in the first quarter of 2023, reaching SZL 147.05 per bag compared to SZL 109.60 in December 2022.

This surge, mainly affecting Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) brands, has presented challenges for contractors who heavily rely on OPC cement for construction. In Mbabane, a survey of hardware stores revealed prices ranging from SZL 106.70 to SZL 147.05 per bag. Concurrently, contractors are facing financial difficulties due to internal conflicts within the Eswatini Contractors Association (ECA), hindering their ability to secure tenders.

The cement price increase and the Eswatini Contractors Association conflicts have had a significant impact on contractors and sub-contractors. Sub-contractors, in particular, face challenges in expressing their concerns due to their employers' involvement in the ECA. In April 2021, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) temporarily waived the requirement for an ECA registration certificate, offering an alternative route for direct registration with the Construction Industry Council (CIC).