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Cement manufacturing giant PPC says total volumes  that its international subsidiaries sold reported double digit growth in  July this year compared to the same month last year.

This comes at a time when businesses worldwide have been affected by  the slowdown in economic activity due to the Covid-19 induced  lockdowns.

“The demand is especially strong in Zimbabwe and Rwanda and the growth  of sales volumes during July has been positive in the DRC as well,” the  company said in a trading update.

“The increased sales volumes and the effect of the cost reduction and  cash preservation measures have resulted in cash flows for the last  months showing a positive trajectory.”

The group’s cement operations ramped up in May 2020 post the Covid-19  restrictions imposed at the end of March 2020 across most of the  jurisdictions in which the group operates. Also, the double digit year-on-year growth of cement volumes in South  Africa during June continued in July as cement sales volumes in that  country once again showed double digit growth compared to July 2019.

“This was achieved on the back of the strong reduction of imports.

Also, the resumption of construction activities and the temporary effect  of high activity in construction projects to catch up on the delivery of  these projects have had a positive impact,” the company said.

PPC said it will continue implementing measures to reduce costs and  increase cash generation from its operations. The firm expects to announce the financial  results by 30 September this year. – NewZiana.