Ohorongo passes export audit

Ohorongo Cement passed an important audit early in February to qualify as exporter to another SADC country. The cement manufacturer announced this week, based on its ISO certification, it applied for certification by the Zambian standards authority, the ZABS to be able to export cement to Zambia. This process depended on a local audit by the Zambian authority. After passing the audit, Ohorongo was visited a week ago by the deputy High Commissioner of Zambia, Her Excellency Dorothy Nachilongo accompanied by the First Secretary for Political Affairs and Administration, Lome Kachingwe.

Ohorongo said audits are very expensive, however producing consistent high quality cement is of the utmost importance. Ohorongo, who has both ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certification, has passed various export audits. These certifications indicate the company’s compliance with international production and environmental standards.
The ISO 9001 – Quality Management system provides guidance and tools for companies and organizations who want to ensure that their products and services consistently meet customers’ requirements, and to ensure that quality is consistently improved.
Some companies have strict policies in place which requires that all their suppliers must hold ISO 14001/9001 certification, which explains one of the reasons why such international standards are globally adopted.
The requirements of DIN EN ISO 9001:2008 and DIN EN ISO 14001:2009 are also fulfilled by Ohorongo Cement products. H.E. Nachilongo was so impressed with the Ohorongo Cement plant that she expressed her desire to see such a plant erected in Zambia. Ohorongo currently exports only small quantities to Zambia as the main focus remains on first supplying in the needs of the local construction industry.