Source: New cement plant creates 450 jobs -Newsday Zimbabwe
A CEMENT plant under construction in Chegutu has created about 450 jobs and is expected to produce nearly 800 000 tonnes of cement annually when commissioned in August, providing a boost to Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector and rural economy.
Shuntai, a fast-growing Chinese-backed cement manufacturing firm, has emerged as one of the largest entrants to Zimbabwe’s cement industry in recent years.
The project is expected to ease domestic cement shortage, strengthen local manufacturing capacity and create employment while contributing to broader industrial growth. It also underscores continued foreign investment in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and energy-linked industrial projects.
The plant was initially scheduled for commissioning in May; however, delays in the delivery of equipment pushed completion to August due to disruptions linked to the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Speaking during a tour of the facility, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Marian Chombo said the project was 90% complete and already transforming lives in the area through employment and skills transfer.
“Work is progressing well and the company is employing more local people, with approximately 450 workers currently on site.
“We have encouraged the company to hire Zimbabwean technicians alongside the Chinese workers,” she said.
Chombo said the facility was expected to increase domestic cement supply and reduce shortages in the construction sector.
“Once commissioned, the plant is expected to produce about 800 000 tonnes of cement annually and this will contribute to the country’s GDP while making cement more accessible and affordable,” she said.
She added that the project was expected to contribute to the country’s energy generation capacity.
“Although Zimbabwe continues to face energy challenges, the plant will generate its own thermal power and is expected to produce 50 megawatts. Once fully operational, excess power can be fed into the national grid.
“I am pleased with the progress being made here because the project will have a positive impact on local communities,” Chombo said.
She added that many of the workers employed at the facility were youths from surrounding areas.
“I am happy with the development taking place here as it is going to have a positive impact on local people. Many of the workers here are youths from the area,” she said.
Meanwhile, Shuntai Investments general manager Lee Xiandong said the company had invested in its own power generation facility to guarantee reliable electricity for operations and help to address Zimbabwe’s energy challenges.
“As we know, Zimbabwe is still developing and every industry needs electricity. Demand is very high and there are sometimes power shortages. To mitigate these shortages, we are going to build our own power plant,” he said.
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