Resolve SMM case urgently — Mayor

water and sewer pipes, had to import asbestos material from Brazil. The company imports the materials for US$14 million a year — funds which Mr Masunda said should be used to revive the mines.
He was speaking at Town House during the handover of water pipes and refuse bins by Turnall Fibre Cement valued at US$27 500.
The donated pipes cover a distance of 1,9km. The pipes would be used to replace worn-out pipes in central Harare where 1,2km of water pipes are broken down or corroded.
The city loses up to 360 million litres of treated water daily. On average, chemicals worth US$3 million are used to treat water every month implying that US$100 000 is required daily.
This means up to US$50 000 worth of water treatment chemicals are lost to water leaks.
Mr Masunda said importing asbestos from Brazil defeated the Buy Zimbabwe Campaign.
“These guys import asbestos from Brazil worth US$14 million a year, yet they could get the same material from SMM for US$8 million,” he said.
He said he was aware of the problems faced by Turnall Fibre Cement because the company buys two fifths of the cement produced by Larfage where he is chairman.
The cement and the asbestos are used to manufacture construction materials.
“Buying locally would boost employment opportunities and help the company save up to US$6 million,” he said.
Mr Masunda said it was unfortunate that personal differences between two individuals — a Cabinet minister and Mr Mutumwa Mawere — had resulted in the collapse of the mines, loss of jobs and affected line industries.