The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce has approved the importation of additional supplies of cement by Buying House Company Limited.

According to the Ministry, the additional quota is to assist in meeting immediate demands market-wide but primarily in western Jamaica.

This comes as continuous heavy rainfall across the island in recent weeks has resulted in operational challenges at Caribbean Cement Company which has affected the supply of cement in the market.

The Ministry says interim measures have been implemented to address the shortfall and stabilise supply.

Commerce Minister Aubyn Hill says the Ministry recognizes the importance of maintaining stability in cement supply, particularly at a time when construction remains a key following the devastation brought by Hurricane Melissa.

Meantime, Caribbean Cement is taking urgent action to restore production to optimal levels.

The company has been working to address operational challenges, stabilise affected equipment and improve production conditions.

As a further measure, Caribbean Cement has diverted a vessel previously en route to the Bahamas to arrive in Jamaica tomorrow to improve local supply.

The company has also made arrangements for an additional 28,400 tonnes to be delivered in early May.

The Minister says he expects the cement challenges to be resolved by the end of the first week in May.

He adds that this will be monitored as work continues with industry partners to ensure the market functions efficiently.