Listed sugar producer, StarAfrica Corporation Limited’s (SACL) sugar production went down 3 744 tonnes in the firm’s first half ended September 30 2019 owing to choking electricity shortages obtaining nationwide.
Speaking during the presentation of financial performance recently, SACL chairman, Joseph Mutizwa said power shortages had seriously affected productivity.
“Our subsidiary, Gold Sugars Harare produced 32 047 tonnes of refined sugar compared with 35 791 tonnes produced in prior half year. The slowdown was due to the acute power shortages experienced in July and August 2019 which resulted in the factory shutting down for five weeks,” he said.
SACL is one among many companies in the country whose production has been severely affected by the electricity shortages which have seen electricity cuts being experienced for around 18 hours a day.
Mutizwa added that despite the power situation having improved after the establishment of a ring fenced power supply arrangement, the tariff being charged under the scheme is too high.
The situation has prompted many firms to adopt solar energy or have resorted to paying electricity in foreign currency but nevertheless, the situation remains tough for the manufacturing sector.
However, despite the obtaining challenge, SACL realised a turnover for the period under review amounting to $132.1 million compared with $28 million recorded in prior year comparative period.
The increase was on the back of changes in the product mix as well as the necessary inflation related price adjustments aimed at preserving the company’s ability to service the market.
Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation went up to $19.4 million in comparison to $2.1 million that was achieved in the comparative period last year due to a combination of the increase in turnover and cost management measures which restrained growth in costs to below the growth in turnover.
SACL said it aimed to pursue an aggressive export strategy to counter the challenges being experienced locally.
“The major growth strategy for the Company hinges on export markets that include existing Southern Africa markets and Central and East African markets into which the company has just begun to make inroads,” Mutizwa said.
Source: New Zimbabwe
