KHUJAND, July 28, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Sughd authorities have still failed to ensure regular work of three cement plants operating in the province.

According to the Sughd energy and industries directorate, only 219 tons of cement have been produced in northern Tajikistan since the beginning of the year.

“The cement has been produced by the private cement mini plant, based in the Bobojonghafurov district, while two other cement plants, located in the Isfara district, are still operating in the test mode,” the source said, noting that the Bobojonghafurov-based cement plant works on natural gas.

“Moreover, it turned out that the plant has produced the grade 300 cement while the construction sector mainly uses the grade 400 cement,” said the source, “To add to this, the production process has proved to be unprofitable and the plant administration has decided to purchase the coal-run equipment from Germany.  The plant is expected to resume operations in late September.”