Demand for cement, a key indicator in the health of the construction industry, is expected to remain strong through 2009 as a result of the swathe of infrastructure projects currently underway in the country.

Afrisam, South Africa largest black-controlled construction materials group, said demand from the infrastructure market is offsetting the decline currently being felt in other sectors such as residential property.

In an interview with Engineering News, Charles Naude, CEO of Afrisam, said the company could even produce more cement this year than it did in 2008, as it is currently the completion of two major projects.

Total sales of cement in Southern Africa fell by 3.8% in 2008, following a record year in 2007 with sales of 15.3-million tons.