adminMathew Masinge
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has commended Delta Corporation’s investment strategy, which supports Government’s drive for private sector-led economic growth.
He says the Government has created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and maximise on shareholders and stakeholder objectives.
The President was speaking in Harare yesterday where he commissioned three state-of-the-art packaging lines at three Delta Corporation plants.
Delta Corporation has invested US$70 million in new equipment for its Sparkling Beverages plant, a new Chibuku Super Plant and Lagers Manufacturing Plant in Southerton.
President Mnangagwa also urged Delta to extend its businesses in marginalised communities.
“I am enthused that Delta Corporation is a key player in the Zimbabwean economy, employing around 5 000 people directly and many more indirectly as well as contributing significantly to the fiscus through excise duty.
“My Government fully endorses and supports the effort and the confidence which Delta Corporation as well as all others operating in our great motherland, Zimbabwe have continued to show in our economy.
“All Ministries, Departments and Agencies will ensure that infrastructure such as roads, power, water, telecommunications and rail, among others, continue to be upgraded, while local authorities should also play their part to improve the business environment.’
The President added:
“The Second Republic values Delta’s relationship with farmers in their supply chain, who provide feedstock for their production processes.
“I urge the company to continue integrating marginalised communities in your value chain through your out-grower programme.
“It is my hope that more companies in our productive sector will adopt the contracting model to complement the various government farming programmes currently in place,” he said.
Delta Corporation chief executive officer, Max Valela, said the new plants were an ongoing investment.
“We planned to install these new plants at the peak of the Covid-19-induced lockdowns and we only began the implementing process about 24 months ago.
“This is an ongoing investment and we are projecting opportunities in our value chain to increase productivity by 30 percent,” he said.
The company, which also has a number of corporate social responsibilities, pledged to offer assistance to any two schools identified by President Mnangagwa as a show of its commitment to helping communities in which they do business.
As part of its expansion project this year, Delta Corporation is also planning to open a new Chibuku Super production line in South Africa.
Online Reporter