Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
CONSTRUCTION of the multi-million-dollar Chegutu cement plant by Chinese investor Shuntal Investment Private Limited has reached the halfway stage, with production expected to begin early next year.
Once complete, the plant will employ more than 1 500 workers and produce 800 000 tonnes of cement annually, making it one of the largest such facilities in the country.
It is the second cement plant currently under development in Mashonaland West province, after the one in Magunje that is being built by Whi-Zim, another Chinese investor, which is also set to open next year.
The surge in cement plant development in Zimbabwe is being driven by rising demand for building materials as a result of large-scale infrastructure projects, urban housing developments and ongoing road rehabilitation.
Expanding local production is also seen as a way to cut costly cement imports and spur economic growth.
During a recent site visit by Zimpapers, it was confirmed that work on the Chegutu project is progressing on schedule.
“We are currently at the halfway mark in our construction efforts, and we are optimistic that cement production will begin early next year,” said Mr Zhou Bin, the general manager of Shuntal Investment.
“The entire project is expected to be completed before the onset of the 2025/2026 rainy season. This timing is deliberate so that production will not be disrupted during the critical rainy months.”
Mr Zhou said the plant will use modern technology to limit emissions and reduce environmental impact, an issue raised by some residents.
“We will have a pipe spray cooling system, bag-type dust remover that reduces 99 percent of dust emission.
“Our production line design is fully enclosed and spill-proof.
“The plant will have special dust control for dust-emission points,” he said.
This ensures that the whole production line is sealed to prevent leakage, and the system traps dust particles so they do not pollute the environment.
Raw materials will be sourced mainly from the Lambourne quarry site near Chegutu.
By relying on local supplies, the plant is expected to lower Zimbabwe’s reliance on imported cement, reduce the national import bill and inject more value into the economy.
The project has already created jobs for about 200 local workers who are building housing units for staff, a master control room, storage facilities and warehouses.
They are also working on critical parts of the plant such as the pre-homogenisation area, where raw materials are blended for consistency; clinker production, the stage where limestone and other materials are heated to form the key ingredient of cement; and cement grinding, where clinker is ground into fine powder for use.
The employment opportunities have brought hope to surrounding communities.
Ms Ropafadzo Chafesuka, a female truck driver at the site, said the project is empowering women.
“There are several female workers here, and this has empowered us. We are certain that once the plant starts production, more women will be employed, reducing early marriages and helping fight drug and substance abuse,” she said.
Another worker, Mr Anderson Mwedzi, praised the project for tackling youth unemployment. “Most of the workers here are local youths. Before this project, many were idle and turning to drugs. The plant has closed that gap by giving them meaningful work,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu