Story by ZBC Reporter
THE Government has clarified that the temporary suspension of construction at the US$1 billion Whi-Zim Cement Plant in Magunje, Hurungwe District, is part of regulatory compliance processes and does not signal a withdrawal of support for the project.
Mashonaland West Province continues to attract significant investment in cement manufacturing, with the Whi-Zim plant among the largest projects currently underway in the sector.
Authorities said construction was paused to allow the investor to meet outstanding regulatory requirements, including conditions outlined in its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Civil works are expected to resume once compliance is completed.
Whi-Zim official Mr David Leo said the company is addressing issues raised during the EIA process, including compensation of affected communities.
“We are working on addressing the set conditions in our Environmental Impact Assessment, which include compensation of affected individuals. Once operations begin, we are looking forward to producing at least 1.2 million tonnes of clinker and about 1.8 million tonnes of cement,” he said.
Local leaders said the project is already delivering benefits to surrounding communities through employment opportunities during the construction phase.
Traditional leader Chief Chanetsa welcomed the investment, describing it as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation in the area.
“As traditional leaders, we welcome this cement plant because it brings hope to our people. Employment opportunities for our young men and women will restore dignity and discipline, reducing drug abuse and related social ills. When households have income and access to affordable cement for decent shelter, peace is strengthened and cases of gender-based violence can be minimised,” he said.
Magunje legislator Honourable Supa-Monga Madiro said the project represents a major economic milestone for Hurungwe District.
“Beyond infrastructure development, this cement plant will create employment opportunities for our youths, keeping them meaningfully engaged and away from drug and substance abuse. The availability of affordable cement will also empower communities to build better homes, schools and clinics, accelerating rural development,” he said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to fostering a conducive investment climate.
“As Government, we remain determined to create an ease-of-doing-business environment. We recently visited the Whi-Zim Cement Plant to appreciate the construction works and encouraged the company to comply fully with Environmental Management Agency (EMA) regulations so that the project can resume. We welcome this investment, which is the third cement production project in the province and will be instrumental in meeting national cement demand,” she said.
Once operational, the Whi-Zim Cement Plant will become the third cement manufacturing facility in Mashonaland West Province, alongside Zimbabwe Huaxin Cement in Zvimba and the Shuntai Investment plant currently under construction in Chegutu.
