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Chegutu's US$80m cement plant now 65% complete
8 hrs ago |
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The US$80 million cement plant under construction in Chegutu by China's Shuntai Investments is now 65 percent complete and on track for commissioning within the next four months.
More than 300 people from Chegutu have already been employed at the site, with the project expected to significantly boost domestic cement production and industrial capacity.
Once operational, the plant will produce over 800 000 tonnes of cement annually, strengthening local supply, stabilising prices and reducing reliance on imports.
Total national cement production is projected to rise to three million tonnes by 2027 through additional investments planned for Zvishavane, Bulawayo and Mutare.
The Chegutu project, which incorporates environmentally friendly technology, ranks among Zimbabwe's largest industrial investments in recent years.
Speaking during a recent tour of the plant, the company's general manager, Mr Li Xiaodong, said construction was progressing steadily.
"We are almost 65 percent done with the general construction and our target is to finish the whole project by the end of June. Commissioning will follow immediately, ensuring the plant begins contributing to Zimbabwe's infrastructure growth," he said.
The facility will integrate cement production, lime manufacturing and power generation.
"We are building an 800 000-tonne cement production line per year, alongside a 30-megawatt thermal power plant," said Mr Li.
"The facility also includes a 400 000-tonne lime production line annually, making it one of the most comprehensive operations in the sector."
Beyond Chegutu, Shuntai Investments plans to roll out additional plants in Zvishavane, Bulawayo and Mutare.
"By the end of 2027, our total cement production will exceed three million tonnes per year at the national level.
"This expansion reflects a strong vote of confidence in Zimbabwe's economic direction and the potential of its industrial hubs," he said.
Employment creation remains central to the investment, with over 300 locals already engaged at the Chegutu plant and an estimated 1 000 additional jobs expected nationwide as expansion progresses.
"Our Chegutu plant employs more than 300 locals and across the country, we will create another 1 000 jobs. First, we will prioritise local people and for skilled workers, we will source from nearby communities before looking elsewhere," Mr Li said.
He added that the company's planned distribution network would help stabilise cement prices and support small businesses.
"According to our analysis, by 2027, our market share will be around 40 percent nationwide. We will establish distribution centres in cities such as Kwekwe and Shabani to support small businesses and reduce price imbalances."
The investment is expected to play a key role in supporting Zimbabwe's infrastructure development drive while enhancing industrial self-sufficiency.
More than 300 people from Chegutu have already been employed at the site, with the project expected to significantly boost domestic cement production and industrial capacity.
Once operational, the plant will produce over 800 000 tonnes of cement annually, strengthening local supply, stabilising prices and reducing reliance on imports.
Total national cement production is projected to rise to three million tonnes by 2027 through additional investments planned for Zvishavane, Bulawayo and Mutare.
The Chegutu project, which incorporates environmentally friendly technology, ranks among Zimbabwe's largest industrial investments in recent years.
Speaking during a recent tour of the plant, the company's general manager, Mr Li Xiaodong, said construction was progressing steadily.
"We are almost 65 percent done with the general construction and our target is to finish the whole project by the end of June. Commissioning will follow immediately, ensuring the plant begins contributing to Zimbabwe's infrastructure growth," he said.
The facility will integrate cement production, lime manufacturing and power generation.
"We are building an 800 000-tonne cement production line per year, alongside a 30-megawatt thermal power plant," said Mr Li.
Beyond Chegutu, Shuntai Investments plans to roll out additional plants in Zvishavane, Bulawayo and Mutare.
"By the end of 2027, our total cement production will exceed three million tonnes per year at the national level.
"This expansion reflects a strong vote of confidence in Zimbabwe's economic direction and the potential of its industrial hubs," he said.
Employment creation remains central to the investment, with over 300 locals already engaged at the Chegutu plant and an estimated 1 000 additional jobs expected nationwide as expansion progresses.
"Our Chegutu plant employs more than 300 locals and across the country, we will create another 1 000 jobs. First, we will prioritise local people and for skilled workers, we will source from nearby communities before looking elsewhere," Mr Li said.
He added that the company's planned distribution network would help stabilise cement prices and support small businesses.
"According to our analysis, by 2027, our market share will be around 40 percent nationwide. We will establish distribution centres in cities such as Kwekwe and Shabani to support small businesses and reduce price imbalances."
The investment is expected to play a key role in supporting Zimbabwe's infrastructure development drive while enhancing industrial self-sufficiency.
Source - Sunday Mail
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