DW resuscitation under threat

Blessings Chidakwa in Kadoma
TEXTILE giant David Whitehead is working on modalities to offset legacy debts including outstanding workers’ salaries as part of broader moves to resuscitate its operations.

This follows the acquisition of a 51 percent stake in the company by Agrivalue Chain Zimbabwe for RTGS$5,4 million, which also went towards clearing the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe debt.

In an interview, David Whitehead judicial manager Mr Knowledge Hofisi said courting the investor was not easy and steps were being taken to ensure full resumption of operations.

“The engagement of an investor was the first stage of resuscitation and our next stage is an arrangement that will result in the settlement of all prejudicial debts including workers salary backlogs,” he said.

“It was not easy to court an investor due to legacy issues but now l think the company should be given an opportunity to perform. We will be negotiating with shareholders on best way to offset debts as currently we cannot pay prejudicial management creditors, but post only in accordance with the laws.”

He, however, expressed concern at a series of mishaps including theft, robbery and fires that have been occurring at the company’s Chegutu plant in recent days.

“We have seen a surge in the number of suspicious incidents occurring at our operations and that is a cause of concern. We have witnessed strange incidences including theft, inferno and robbery in recent days,” he said.

The resuscitation programme, he said was in full swing and all shoulders were on the wheel to ensure that the goal is achieved.

Chief production officer Mr Tendayi Chetse said unknown persons vandalised dryers and copper horse tubes at the compressor area on May 27.

“Besides the copper pipes they also disturbed electrical connections. The units are very important to our operations and we have since sought quotation for replacement of the stolen items.

“The total value of the stolen property is yet to be established and nothing has been recovered so far,” he said.

Mr Chetse said a report was made at Chegutu police station under RRB 3924998 and investigations were underway.

In another incident, more than five unidentified men were found gathering aluminium pieces from the scrapyard by security guards but they managed to escape.