President Emmerson Mnangagwa impressed with steel plant
Story by Josephine Mugiyo
THIS Friday saw President Emmerson Mnangagwa tour the Dinson Iron and Steel plant as he assessed the progress that has been taking place since the ground-breaking ceremony he presided over in 2022.
Since then, construction works have been progressing at a fast pace and the Head of State was impressed with the work done so far.
The iron and steel plant is set to be a game changer for Zimbabwe as the country pursues industrialisation.
President Mnangagwa toured the plant at a time when the first phase is nearing completion.
According to official information production of pig iron is scheduled to begin next month.
After completing a tour of the plant, the President told workers that the country’s development will be anchored on its resources like the abundant iron ore.
He was also impressed by the pace at which the project is being implemented attributing it to investor confidence.
“The speed at which work is ongoing is testimony of the confidence investors have in this project and the conducive environment for business in the country. This iron ore was always there lying idle, we did not know. We would wonder why certain rocks are heavy and we would even build our foundations for houses with iron ore. We are now using the iron ore to help us build our nation, because nyika inovakwa igotongwa, igononamatigwa nevene vayo,” he said.
The Head of State also noted the output and employment opportunities the iron and steel sector is availing to downstream industries.
He added, “The revitalisation of iron and steel industry has immense potential to anchor the ongoing modernisation, industrialisation and growth of our economy. Inputs for sectors such as the automotive industry consumer durables, railways, aviation as well as construction and infrastructure development are derived from the iron and steel industry.”
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is now moving from being an importer of steel to an exporter.
“We would buy iron from other countries, tasvunura. The milestones recognised under the Second Republic are good, to you the workers, the work you’re doing is very key to national development. You’re a key part in national development. I commend the management the staff and other stakeholders, keep up the good work, well done. Value addition and beneficiation is the backbone of Vision 2030. It’s pleasing that our iron ore will be fully explored and value-added locally. We would buy iron from South Africa and Kenya and now we will export to them,” said the President.
Dinson Iron and Steel Company has set its sights on producing 600 000 metric tonnes in the first phase, 1,2 million metric tonnes in the Second Phase and ultimately five million tonnes per year in the final phase.
