Five additional companies have been granted approval to import cement into Jamaica as the Government seeks to close the supply gap and alleviate shortages that have affected construction activity across the island.

Speaking yesterday during a post-Cabinet press briefing, Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce, said the importation approvals were granted for six months.

He said Jamaica Logistics International Limited was given the approval to import 100,000 tonnes; Rock Hard Cement will import 100,000 tonnes; Tank-Weld Metals was given the go- ahead for 60,000 tonnes; Island Concrete Company Limited, 60,000 tonnes; and Gore Developments Limited was given the approval to import 20,000 tonnes.