Chronicle Editor
Updates by Nduduzo Tshuma and Prosper Ndlovu
14:24 – The project is still work in progress with installation of plant equipment and office structures partly done.
14:14 – He is now interacting with workers and community members who came to witness the visit.
14:12 – President Mnangagwa has just finished briefing and now touring Jinan/Tutu coke project.
13:30 – President Mnangagwa and his delegation have proceeded to another mine, Jinan/Tutu Mine coke project.
He is now in a closed door briefing.
13:25 – President Mnangagwa ends his speech.
13:20 – “A programme is unfolding in the sector, a shame for us to be improving food when we have agricultural land. Only 10 percent of water bodies being used but we have a programme to develop smart agriculture. Let’s take on board ICTs to industrialise and modernise our industry and commerce.”
13:15 – “We need harmony and peace in our community to achieve these, no one can come and tell us to unite and use our resources. Our highly educated population must contribute to national development and be patriotic.
“We have food insecurity in the country, but we must plan to use technology of irrigation so that whether drought on not we still can feed ourselves.
13:10 – “Hwange is somewhat behind in terms of infrastructure development, we need no area to be behind. Companies here should address challenges of water, social amenities like schools and clinics, and road infrastructure here.
“Government is there but needs private sector support. National challenges not for government alone, but all of us towards betterment of lives of our people.
“We assure the companies investing here of government support to grow. Importation of energy and energy products must be a thing of the past because we have enough resources to produce it, even producing fuel, if we remain focused. Competencies and skills of doing that are there in the market and we should attract them.
13:02 – “To achieve the vision there is need for a stable, united, harmonious country and supportive stakeholders with other sub-sectors of the economy contributing. After Chitando’s presentation I was satisfied that the mandate and task I gave him to me seems achievable as mining firms show commitment to expansion and growth.
“We need those in Government and private sector and communities around to all pull in one direction, in unison. Our desire is to achieve higher middle income by 2030, this won’t be achieved by mining alone but all sectors.
“It does seem mining sector vision is on course, no doubt we will achieve the vision we have set. These firms we have engaged to value addition and processing give preference to locals in jobs…
13:00 – President now takes to the podium to address the gathering.
President Mnangagwa says he is impressed by the articulation of the mining sector vision by mines minister Winston Chitando towards achieving $12bn earnings by 2023.
12:50 – Official proceedings rolling now, South Mining managing director Mr Chenji Li, now delivering his remarks.
He says their company has received a lot of support locally in establishing the plant.
He pays tribute to Hwange community and stakeholders and Government for creating a supportive investment climate.
12:48 – President Mnangagwa is now touring the new coke plant. He is accompanied by Industry Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza, Mines Minister Winston Chitando, Mangaliso Ndlovu (environment), Presidential spokesperson George Charamba.
PREAMBLE
President Mnangagwa arrived in Hwange in Matabeleland North tour coal mining and power generation projects, which are being implemented in fulfillment of his promise to ensure realisation of the province’s full economic potential.
He is currently in a closed door meeting at South Mining plant with the mine officials before official commissioning of the new plant.
In the morning President Mnangagwa presided over the ground breaking ceremony of Western Coal and Energy Company Private Limited.
The devolution thrust is set to transform the province previously viewed as lagging behind in terms of development despite its vast natural resources.
The coal, coke and energy value chain alone has the potential to transform the province and create thousands of jobs. Riding under the new dispensation’s devolution drive, the coal sector, combined with other critical sectors such as tourism, timber, gold mining and agriculture, could rapidly propel the province to greater heights.
Online Reporter