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Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
THE Government has expressed satisfaction with the progress that has been made to date at the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco)’s multi-billion-dollar steel plant at Manhize in Chirumhanzu, Midlands Province.
The full operationalisation of the plant was initially pencilled in for the end of this year but is now set for early next year with contractors putting up final touches for the setting up of the multi-billion-dollar project.
Speaking during a tour to assess progress at the plant last week, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube said Government was impressed with the progress to date, noting that the plant, once fully operational, will contribute immensely towards the national Gross Domestic Product.
“As we all know, steel is the backbone of countless industries driving economic growth and technological advancements. By establishing this plant, the Second Republic is not only creating job opportunities for our community but also laying the foundation for a thriving industrial sector that will attract further investment and propel our region and country forward by growing the provincial and national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Already Midlands Provincial GDP in 2022 grew by 10,9 percent driven by private sector investments in mining, agriculture and manufacturing. Zimbabwe is indeed open for business to diaspora, foreign and local investors,” said Minister Ncube.
He revealed that to date the plant had already created employment for more than 1 500 people including the locals and on completion, the plant, which is set to be the largest integrated steel producer in Africa has the potential to employ more than 10 000 people, mostly dominated by locals.
He further commended the company for assisting Chishuku Secondary School that had been affected by a natural disaster recently, noting that corporate social responsibility programmes should be demand driven and sustainable through livelihoods hardware support.
Online Reporter