Manhize steel plant shuts down

The country's largest iron and steel producer, Dinson Iron and Steel Company, has announced a two-month shutdown of operations at its Manhize plant in Mvuma to allow for system upgrades and plant maintenance.

Company Public Relations Officer, Joseph Shoko, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with The Midweek Watch.

"We are having a two months shutdown to allow a smooth system upgrade and plant maintenance. However, during the said period, all our employees will be receiving their full salaries," Shoko said.

The shutdown comes less than a year after the foreign-owned miner commenced full-scale operations at the Manhize plant, raising concerns about the stability of the project.

Dinson, which is part of China's Tsingshan Holding Group, has positioned itself as a key player in Zimbabwe's industrial revival, with its Manhize plant touted as the biggest integrated steelworks in the country.

Despite the temporary halt, the company has assured workers and stakeholders that the exercise is aimed at strengthening operations and ensuring long-term efficiency of the plant.