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Elliot Ziwira, Senior Writer
IN the heart of Mutoko, a rural district in Mashonaland East, a sense of excitement and hope fills the air as smoke wafts from the chimney, towering the azure-roofed building, on test runs at the newly completed Finealt Engineering cooking oil processing plant.
The completion of the plant, with industrialisation coming to the rural area, is creating local jobs as well as providing a secure market for local farmers on their doorstep. The plant has the capacity to process 20 tonnes of sunflower seeds into 5 000 litres of refined oil each day, plus a by-product that is processed into soap, detergents and perfumes at the same premises. The remaining seed cake will be processed into stock feed.
Located on the north-western fringes of Mutoko Centre, Finealt Engineering is a State-aided agency under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.
On a tour of the plant last Thursday by head of division, bio-economy production, Mr Wilfred Mukosera, a team of local people and a Chinese expert were testing the oil processing section of the plant with precision and care, for nothing should be left to chance.
Mr Kunaka Musonza (50), defies the searing heat reminiscent of October days, as he loads coal to fire up the boiler. For him, the plant represents a new chapter in his life.
With a decade of service at Finealt Engineering under his belt, Mr Musonza has witnessed the company’s growth from a small pilot project to an up-to-the-minute cooking oil processing plant.
“I have learnt so much over the years, from operating biodiesel machines and soap-making to boiler operating and blow moulding,” says the father of four, with a beaming smile, as he wipes off beads of sweat from his face.
“This plant has given me a new lease on life. The knowledge I now have is more than adequate.”
Mr Emmanuel Muzingembuya (36), a father of three from Chasaka Village, shares the same enthusiasm.
“We are grateful for the employment opportunities created by this project,” he says, with his eyes glowing.
“We can now provide for our families and give our children a better future.”
In line with President Mnangagwa’s vision to take everyone on board, the plant’s impact extends beyond the employees.
Testifying to the spirit of Education 5.0, aimed at moulding the complete individual capable of riding the tide in an ever-changing technological environment, Finealt Engineering extended its wings to interns.
It worked with 17 electrical engineering students from Harare Polytechnic in the installation of the plant since November last year under the guidance of project engineer, Tichaona Chavengwa, and other experts.
Chidochashe Machando (25) said she gained invaluable practical experience.
“Working on this project has been a game-changer for me. I got first-hand experience of working in an industry,” she said.
“I have learnt what it means to work under pressure and deliver results, no matter the odds. It’s been an incredible experience, and I hope to work on similar or even bigger projects in future.”
Eng Chavengwa, who has been with the firm for the past nine years and benefited from its training policy, said he enjoyed working with the hardworking and committed group.
Finealt Engineering chief executive officer Mr Patrick Mpala is proud of the plant’s potential to transform the community, leveraging on local resources.
“Taking the cue from President Mnangagwa’s rural industrialisation drive, we are committed to empowering local communities and promoting self-sustainability through the bio-economy concept,” he said.
“We want to create a situation where our people can benefit from the resources available in their areas.”
Finealt decided to tap into the US$200-million-dollar cooking oil industry in Zimbabwe, some of which still depends on imports of crude oil although local oilseed output is rising.
Mr Mpala said at least 16 technical engineers would be trained on the operations of the newly installed machinery, emphasising that interns drawn from local institutions would continue to be given priority as a way of practically empowering them.
The plant is now ready for commissioning by President Mnangagwa at an appropriate time, said Mr Mpala, adding that the holdup on test runs was due to the inadequate electricity supply to run the plant’s four sections simultaneously.
To run its four sections, comprising oil processing, refinery, blow moulding (for plastic bottles) and packaging lines, the plant requires 500kVA power. Only 100kVA is presently available, which is complemented by a 100kVA backup generator.
New industrial activities in the area, riding on the conducive environment introduced by the Second Republic, have put the grid under strain.
But engagements between Finealt and Zesa officials have been fruitful and Mr Mpala is optimistic the issue will be resolved soon.
Shared dreams are set to be realised as the engines rumble on, with the plant’s completion demonstrating Government’s commitment to rural industrialisation and the power of education and training in changing outcomes for all citizens.
As the plant prepares to commence operations, the people of Mutoko eagerly await the benefits that come with it; employment opportunities, economic growth and a brighter future, embodied in National Development Strategy 1 and enshrined in Vision 2030.
With its advanced automated machinery and commitment to community development, the Finealt Engineering cooking oil plant is poised to become a beacon of hope in the region and beyond, stirring other communities to embrace industrialisation and self-sustainability.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter