Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
CONSTRUCTION of the multi-million-dollar Chegutu Cement Plant by Chinese investor, Shuntal Investment Private Limited, is now complete, paving the way for commissioning in October.
The plant is expected to produce about 800 000 tonnes of cement annually, strengthening the country’s cement production and helping reduce reliance on imports.
Shuntal Investment administrator, Mr Jack Zhang, said construction was now complete, with test runs having been conducted in August as the company prepares for commissioning next month.
“We have completed the construction, and test runs for cement production were done in August this year,” Mr Zhang said.
He said the project, which was initially scheduled for commissioning in May this year, experienced delays due to disruptions in the procurement and shipping of some equipment amid tensions in the Middle East.
Mr Zhang said the company was now focused on completing a few remaining areas ahead of commissioning.
Once operational, the Chegutu plant will add significant capacity to Zimbabwe’s cement manufacturing industry and is expected to create further employment opportunities while supporting the construction sector.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Marian Chombo, told Zimpapers that the investment would boost the province’s industrial output.
“This will improve the province’s GDP. Currently we are ranked fourth in the country and with this progress, we are certain that we will increase our production and contribution,” Minister Chombo said.
Ward 28 councillor and former Chegutu RDC chairman, Cde Tatenda Gwinji, said the investment demonstrated Chegutu’s growing role in the province’s industrialisation drive.
“We are happy with the developments. The project is now done and complete,” he said.
“As the councillor of the area, I am glad for the opportunities that have been created by this huge investment. The President, when he took the oath in 2017, said all local authorities should create a conducive environment for economic growth in their districts.
“I am glad that as Ward 28 we have not been left behind and are part of the Vision 2030 dream. We are moving from commissioning to realisation and work.”
Chegutu RDC Social Services Manager, Mr Tawanda Kangai, said the investment was part of the infrastructure development taking place under President Mnangagwa’s administration, adding that the district was increasingly positioning itself as an important investment and industrial hub, citing its mineral wealth and growing agricultural activities.
