Sidumisile Mabena
Nqobile Bhebhe
A Bulawayo-based dipping chemical manufacturing firm, Coopers Zimbabwe has put in place contingency measures to ensure continued production amid supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The war has affected the delivery of some critical raw materials used in the manufacture of dipping chemicals, raising concerns over supply chains for livestock disease control products.
Briefing journalists on the sidelines of a ministerial tour of the company’s manufacturing plant, Coopers Zimbabwe managing director Mr Petrus Erasmus said the company had already activated alternative supply arrangements to cushion production.
Agriculture, Lands, and Rural Resettlement Deputy Minister Davis Marapira toured the facility to assess production capacity and preparedness to support the national cattle dipping programme.
“We import some raw materials and at present we are seized with some challenges with some products being stuck in the Middle East due to ongoing conflict.”
“However, we have made contingency plans to provide enough stock and to ensure production of dipping chemicals continues and make sure that dipping does go on,” he said.
“We have made sure dipping continues in the coming weeks while we wait for large shipments of raw materials to arrive. So we will be able to supply.”
Mr Erasmus said despite the disruptions, the company currently has sufficient stock to supply key livestock-producing provinces including Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Midlands.
A Zimpapers news crew observed large volumes of dipping chemicals in storage while workers continued operations on the production lines.
Tick-borne diseases remain one of the biggest threats to Zimbabwe’s national herd, particularly in communal areas where adherence to dipping programmes can sometimes be inconsistent.
Authorities say strengthening collaboration between Government, private sector suppliers and farmers will be key to protecting the national herd and safeguarding rural livelihoods that depend on livestock production.
Online Reporter