THE construction of a US$70 million cement plant in Chegutu by Chinese investor Shuntai Investment Private Limited is progressing steadily, with production scheduled to begin early next year.
The massive facility, now at the halfway stage, has transformed the area into a hive of industrial activity and is already creating tangible benefits for local communities through jobs and skills development.
Among the workers is 24-year-old Rutendo Chafesuka, who operates heavy construction vehicles on site.
“I am a shining example of women’s empowerment at this facility. I operate several pieces, and I believe this investment is going to be a game-changer once fully operational,” she said.
“I have 65 people who work under my supervision. This speaks to real and tangible employment, and we sincerely hope that the completion of this facility will contribute to the fulfillment of Vision 2030,” another employee, Mr Anderson Mwedzi said.
“This company is taking the youths off the streets, which is key in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” employee, Mr George Chahwanda said.
“We want to thank our government for creating a conducive business environment that pushes for rural industrialisation,” employee Tawanda Mudeche said.
Shuntai Investment general manager Mr Zhou Bin, who spoke through an interpreter, said the construction works are on schedule for completion by December.
“We are now at 50 % of construction, and we are confident that cement production will commence early next year. We expect to produce at least 800 000 tonnes of cement annually once operational,” he said.
The firm has employed at least 200 workers to build the plant, master control room, storage, warehouses, and houses for employees, among other amenities.
Meanwhile, another Chinese investor, WhiZim International, is setting up a US$1 billion cement plant in the Magunje area of Hurungwe, where over 2 000 people will be employed.
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