Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in Hwange
GOVERNMENT is impressed by the continued revival of Hwange Colliery Company under the Second Republic, which recently saw its half-year production rising to over 2,5 million tonnes compared to 1,9 million in the same period last year, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
The revival comes on the back of internal financing, with no capital injection.
It is part of the Government’s grand strategy to foster economic growth through increasing coking coal exports and availing electricity in the country.
Hwange has also cleared all its local and statutory debts, which amounted to US$450 million in 2018, and the firm remains with external debts only.
VP Chiwenga, who is in Hwange to assess critical Government projects, yesterday toured the company that now boasts 500 employees from just a few before the advent of the Second Republic.
Speaking after touring the company together with management, VP Chiwenga said the Government was happy to note the progress.
“I am quite thrilled, very happy and very relieved to see Hwange Colliery now on its feet,” he said.
“I think everyone in the country had almost lost hope regarding its revival, especially with the terrific speed we have witnessed.
“The team here, led by Mr (Munashe) Shava and CEO Mr (William) Gambiza, has done a wonderful job. Hwange is back on its feet and what we now want to see is the rapid development of the various ideas and strategies they have presented to us.”
