• Submitted by: admin
• Havana
• Business and Economy
• Science and Technology
• 01 / 05 / 2007

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Lage explained that the facility, known as Hidroplast, will contribute to the countrys waterworks infrastructure, especially in water conservation by replacing old pipes.

The new modern plant is located in the Havana municipality of Boyeros, while the other existing factory is in the central province of Ciego de Avila. A third similar facility is scheduled to open in the first semester of 2007 in the eastern province of Holguin to complete the nations requirements.

Speaking to factory and construction workers, Lage said the three pipe factories will lower costs by 30 percent over imported pipes and accessories. He noted that while the three facilities will all produce large diameter pipes "up to 1 meter (39.37 inches)" each will have its own line of products.

Lage said Hidroplast will begin with two lines of production (for aqueducts) and will soon add sewer pipes to its output. He pointed out that the factory will provide part of the resources needed to revamp the countrys water distribution systems. The vice president stressed the importance for both the State and the population to make efforts to save water. He noted that while 2006 was a year of plentiful rain, the country must be prepared to face intense drought as occurred from 2003 to 2005, especially in the eastern provinces.

The official handed diplomas of recognition to outstanding workers of the two construction companies responsible for building the factory.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Pedro Saez, first secretary of the Communist Party for Havana; Jorge Luis Aspiolea, president of the National Hydraulic Resources Institute; Juan Contino, president of the provincial government; and Argelio Quevedo, secretary general of the National Construction Workers Union.

The leaders toured the factory installations and Julio Cesar Hernandez, the director, showed them new high-tech equipment capable of processing 13,180 tons of high density plastic pipes per year.

The project began in October 2005, and has a quality control laboratory to analyze raw materials and the final product, including the pipes for water distribution, sewers and rain drainage.

Source: Granma