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Conrad Mupesa–Mashonaland West Bureau
CHEGUTU-based ferrochrome producer, Afrochine, has increased its workforce to improve and maintain production ahead of Manhize Steel Plant opening.
Manhize, is the Second Republic’s flagship project where, a Chinese investor is constructing one of the biggest steel producing plants in Africa in Mvuma.
It is expected to employ thousands drawn from Mashonaland West, East, Harare and Manicaland provinces.
The Chinese company has this year increased its manpower to over 1 200 from slightly above 900 last year, as it seeks to maintain monthly production levels of 750 tonnes of a steel from its five furnaces.
As a way of maintaining production, Afrochine has also improved welfare of its workers, including availing protective gear twice a year and remuneration of 75 percent United States dollars.
Human resources and administration assistant manager, Mr Brighton Mushingaidzwa said at least 300 people had been employed since last year.
“We have beefed up our workforce to maintain and gradually increase production so that we will be able to produce ferrochrome which is a key raw material for steel making. As we understand that production is a two-way traffic that involves us as the company meeting our workers’ needs and demands, we have also made it a point that employees are paid according to their grades and classes as per National Employment Council statutes,” he said.
The company is operating all the five furnaces which were sometimes affected by load shedding, and Mushingaidzwa said employees were receiving their full salaries and other benefits.
Workers council vice chairman, Mr Charles Faifi said their employer was fulfilling obligations to the workforce as promised.
He said while some of their demands were being met, they were hoping that the company would construct more rooms to accommodate workers who are given free accommodation at the premises.
“The employer is trying by all means to meet our demands which include paying workers according to their grading and classing system. However, accommodation is now a challenge considering the increasing workforce,” he said.
Another worker, Mr Tafara Chakonda also weighed in, adding the current set up eliminates decency and privacy.
Currently, at least six workers are sharing a room at the quarters that are located a stone’s throw from the plant.
In his response, Mr Mushingaidzwa confirmed that accommodation was a challenge.
“We are now working to ensure that we construct more houses and rooms to accommodate the workers. The building plans have been approved and we already have the land on which we intend to build the houses,” he said.
The company targets to start the construction works of the houses by the end of this year.
Online Reporter