Story by Tafara Chikumira
GOVERNMENT’S reindustrialisation drive is getting massive impetus from the private sector, with a Redcliff-based cement firm, Diamond Cement, set to double production this year after retooling.
The cement-producing company has acquired additional equipment as the appetite for cement in the construction industry is on a bullish trend.
The firm, which is currently producing 250 000 tonnes of cement per year, has set a target of half a million by next year with plans to expand to the mining town of Zvishavane.
Diamond Cement managing director, Mr Donghuan Wang said, “We are indeed very excited by the opportunities being opened up by the government. I must give it up to the people of Zimbabwe and their hospitality. Nothing is impossible in this country. We have tried to do business in other parts of the world and I must say it is here in Zimbabwe that we are feeling very accommodated. We have since acquired some new equipment and what is left for us, is to improve production. We want to double our production as the demand for cement is growing.
“We have entered a joint venture with Zimbabwe Power Company where we produce electricity poles for them while they provide power for us. We have acquired some claims to mine limestone in Zvishavane and very soon we will be setting a plant there.”
The government says it will continue to support the private sector to improve the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“My office will work closely with relevant stakeholders within the Whole of Government and Economy approach to expedite a conducive business operating environment in the Midlands Province and guarantee the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society before 2030,” said Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube.
Retooling and increasing capacity utilisation is in line with the National Development Strategy One objective is to industrialise, grow the economy and create employment.
