Source: US$80m Chegutu cement plant to be commissioned within six months – herald
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE US$80 million cement plant in Chegutu by Shuntai Investments, which is now 55 percent complete, is set to be commissioned within the next six months.
Once operational, the facility is expected to produce over 800 000 tonnes of cement annually.
The development is set to boost Zimbabwe’s domestic cement supply, stabilise prices and reduce dependence on imports.
The operation, which will use environmentally friendly technology, is one of the country’s largest industrial investments in recent years.
Shuntai Investments administration manager Mr Yan Bo said most of the critical equipment for the project had already been delivered, with installation work now underway.
“At this moment, we are about 55 percent of the overall completion of this project,” he said.
“The cement plant will be producing 800 000 tonnes per year. As we can see, all the main equipment has already been delivered; more than 65 percent is on site. We are now doing power lines and the installation of equipment.”
He said the total investment in the project will exceed US$120 million.
- Related story: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/chegutu-eco-friendly-cement-plant-project-55-percent-complete-to-create-thousands-of-jobs/
“So far, we have invested more than US$80 million. By the time we finish, the total investment will be over US$120 million,” he said.
“We expect the project to be completed within the next six months. We are now working at full speed after losing time due to a court delay.”
Mr Yan said the plant would be one of the most technologically advanced in the region, designed to reduce emissions and production costs while maintaining high efficiency.
“This is a high-level, fully integrated technology plant. It will not cause any environmental harm and will benefit surrounding communities,” he said.
“Using locally available raw materials will also help us lower production costs, translating to more affordable cement prices.”
So far, over 300 people from Chegutu have been employed at the site, with the number expected to rise significantly once the plant becomes operational.
“So far, we have employed 300 local youths, and across all our operations, we are looking at about 4 000 people in total.
“For the Chegutu plant, we have set up January of next year as our completion target.”
As part of its green industrialisation strategy, Shuntai has introduced several environmentally friendly initiatives, including the use of electric vehicles and loaders on-site to minimise pollution.
“From the gate, you can see our electric cars and loaders,” said Mr Yan.
“These are part of our broader effort to eliminate diesel-powered machinery and promote clean industrial operations.”
Mr Henry Madovi of Sany Equipment Zimbabwe, which supplies some of the heavy machinery, praised the company for adopting electric-powered equipment and called on other industries to follow suit.
“The equipment that we are using at the cement plant is electric-driven. What it means is we are taking the lead to protect our environment by bringing in this electric-powered equipment,” he said.
“As Zimbabwe industrialises, there is a need to start thinking of ways to educate our investors on the benefits of eco-friendly trucks.”
Mr Austin Kadzinga, one of the employees, said: “I started working here in February last year, and my life has changed for the better. Many people in Chegutu are now employed, and the town is growing into a busy economic hub.”
Another worker, Mr Shadreck Mutemba, said he had witnessed the project’s transformation from humble beginnings into a major industrial site.
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