Story by Tamuka Charakupa
A CHINESE investor has committed US$3 million towards the establishment of a brick-moulding plant in Chegutu, a development expected to create 200 jobs and strengthen Zimbabwe’s rural industrialisation drive.
The project, being undertaken by Heng Chang Investments, will have the capacity to produce 200,000 bricks per day, adding fresh momentum to efforts to attract foreign direct investment and expand industrial activity beyond major urban centres.
Ground was officially broken for the plant in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province, with government officials and local leaders hailing the investment as a vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic prospects.
Managing Director of Heng Chang Investments, Ms Gina Yu, said the company was encouraged by Zimbabwe’s favourable investment environment and welcoming communities.
“Zimbabwe is a good country. The local people are very kind, and the weather is very good. I am very happy to stay here and interact with the people,” she said.
Beyond brick production, the investment is expected to inject new life into the local economy through employment creation and community development initiatives.
Chegutu councillor Tatenda Gwinji said the project would bring wide-ranging benefits to residents, particularly young people seeking employment opportunities.
“This investment is a welcome development for our community as it will create employment opportunities for our young people, thereby helping to reduce social challenges such as drug and substance abuse,” he said.
Councillor Gwinji noted that the local authority would also benefit through levies and other revenue streams, strengthening service delivery.
He added that the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility had further raised confidence in the project.
“We are equally encouraged by the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, which includes plans to construct a clinic and rehabilitate local roads, bringing lasting benefits to our residents,” he said.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, described the investment as evidence that the government’s rural industrialisation agenda is gaining traction.
“The coming in of investments such as this one is clear testimony that the Second Republic’s rural industrialisation agenda is firmly on course,” she said.
“By establishing industries closer to our communities, we are creating jobs, stimulating economic activity and accelerating the attainment of Vision 2030.”
The minister challenged local authorities to create conditions that attract investment and support business growth.
“I urge other local authorities to emulate the proactive and investor-friendly approach being demonstrated by Chegutu. As Government, we remain committed to supporting investors through the provision of an enabling environment that allows businesses to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.
The Chegutu project adds to a growing list of investments being channelled into Zimbabwe’s productive sectors as the country pursues industrial expansion, employment creation and value addition under its Vision 2030 development agenda.
With construction set to begin, expectations are high that the new plant will become a key industrial hub in Mashonaland West, driving economic activity while supplying bricks for Zimbabwe’s booming construction sector.
