Zimbabwe’s rural industrialisation agenda is gaining momentum with a cement plant under construction in Hurungwe and set to spur development in the area.
Construction works for the US$1 billion cement plant being established in Magunje, Hurungwe district are on course.
The local community is excited about the development milestone that is set to create employment and boost industrial activities in the area.
“The investor vowed to give back to the community, which we have already started noticing. Our children are being employed at the site,
“We want to thank President Mnangagwa for his efforts in attracting foreign investments. While some may not see the benefit of this project, it comes with multi-faced benefits.”
The project implementing company, Whi-Zim expects to be complete works by August next year.
“We are working with the community and the government so that there is a win-win situation between the community and the investor. We are facing a few challenges but I am confident that all construction works will be through by August of next year. We are going to produce the building material at a low cost. The price of the product will gradually drop on the market as our cement will be going for less than US$10 per 50kg bag,” said Whi-Zim representative, Mr Thomas Chidzomba.
The Mashonaland West Province leadership is elated to see development in the province and has pledged government support to such life changing initiatives.
“This means development to the whole district, which in turn supports the council’s operations. Right now, the whole country is seized with fighting the scourge of drug and substance abuse with unemployment being one of the key drivers. So if this project succeeds, it means local job creation, availability of cheap building material which feeds into our infrastructure development plan,” noted ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Chairperson/ Hurungwe RDC Chairperson, Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka.
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi weighed in, “This is a welcome development for Magunje and the province as it will create employment while at the same time boost the country’s cement production. There will be a lot of activities in this area and it will uplift the lives of the people. As the government, we are very impressed about the prospects of the project.”
Zimbabwe has a target to cut cement importation by 2026 and the construction of the high-tech plant is expected to feed into the vision.
Beyond job creation, the investor has sunk at least 11 boreholes to support the Government’s efforts in providing clean and potable water to the community.
