Story by Theophilus Chuma
ZIMBABWE is stepping up efforts to boost cement production in a move aimed at reducing imports and stabilising prices, with the first output from a US$80 million cement plant under construction in Chegutu expected by mid-year.
Construction work at the plant is progressing steadily, with Shuntai Investments confirming that critical capital equipment has been delivered to the site as the company targets completion within the next six months.
Once operational, the facility is expected to produce more than 800 000 tonnes of cement annually, a development anticipated to ease supply pressures, stabilise prices and significantly reduce imports.
Shuntai Investments remains confident that production will begin within the set timeframe.
“We are targeting production by mid-July, and we are confident this will be achieved. All the equipment is now on site and installation is currently underway. This is a major investment for us and for Chegutu,” Shuntai Investments representative Mr Zhang Zhang Jack said.
He said the Shuntai Cement Project will establish a modern, fully integrated cement manufacturing plant using environmentally friendly technology, supporting Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development agenda in line with Vision 2030.
“To date, we have invested over US$80 million, and by completion, the total investment will be around US$120 million. This is a strong vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic direction and the potential of the Chegutu area,” he added.
The project aligns with the Government’s drive to boost productivity as outlined in the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction Growth Plan.
Beyond increasing production capacity, the project has already created employment for more than 300 people in Chegutu.
“The impact is going to be positive, both locally and nationally. For the Chegutu community, the project will create hundreds of jobs, support local suppliers and small businesses, and improve infrastructure around the area,” Mr Jack said.
The Chegutu cement plant is among key projects underscoring the strategic partnership between Zimbabwe and China across sectors including manufacturing, mining, health and agriculture.
