US$25 million water treatment chemical plant commissioned
Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially commissioned a US$25 million water treatment chemical-producing plant in Bindura.
I
For a country that has been importing some of its water treatment chemicals, the commissioning of the Chilmund Chemicals factory in Bindura by President Emmerson Mnangagwa this Friday is a positive development that will reduce the country’s import bill and ease the accessibility of the essential chemicals.
President Mnangagwa who toured the factory was impressed with the work put in by the young entrepreneurs.
The President has emphasised the role of the country’s young generation in building the country’s economy and answering to the needs of industry through their innovations.
The factory can produce 10 tonnes of aluminium sulphate per hour which is expected to satisfy the local and export market.
“I asked the people here if they were the ones who built this alone, and they said yes. I am very proud of you. This event comes after we have had free harmonized and fair elections. I keep repeating this because there are those in denial. If you see what’s inside this plant, you will be impressed. This is where you realise that indeed, nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” he said.
President Mnangagwa highlighted that the new plant is in line with his administration’s vision of homegrown solutions to the country’s challenges.
“We used to struggle to look for foreign currency and buy the chemicals in South Africa. I commend the boys and girls for this bold decision. This plant is capable of producing 10 000 tonnes of mufunge. All our local authorities need chemicals for our water. I hope you will not buy elsewhere,” he added.
The head of state was unambiguous in his call for those venturing into the manufacturing sector to produce top-of-the-range products that are competitive on the market.
“For our people to succeed we need to be competitive, we need to be the best of the best. You must aim to produce top-of-the-range in whatever you do I say no to shoddy things,” he said.
The provision of safe and clean portable water has been cited as key for the country to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.