The Government says the temporary halt of construction at the US$1 billion Whi-Zim Cement Plant in Magunje, Hurungwe District, is part of regulatory compliance and does not indicate a withdrawal of support for the project.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, said work was paused to allow the investor to meet outstanding requirements, including conditions set out in its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Construction is expected to resume once compliance is complete.
Whi-Zim official David Leo said the company is addressing issues raised during the EIA process, including compensation for affected communities. He said:
“We are working on addressing the set conditions in our Environmental Impact Assessment, which include compensation of affected individuals.
“Once operations begin, we are looking forward to producing at least 1.2 million tonnes of clinker and about 1.8 million tonnes of cement.”
Chief Chanetsa welcomed the investment, saying it will create much-needed employment opportunities for local people. He said:
“As traditional leaders, we welcome this cement plant because it brings hope to our people.
“Employment opportunities for our young men and women will restore dignity and discipline, reducing drug abuse and related social ills.
“When households have income and access to affordable cement for decent shelter, peace is strengthened, and cases of gender-based violence can be minimised.”
Chombo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fostering an ease-of-doing-business environment. She said:
“As Government, we remain determined to create an ease-of-doing-business environment.
“We recently visited the Whi-Zim Cement Plant to appreciate the construction works and encouraged the company to comply fully with Environmental Management Agency (EMA) regulations so that the project can resume.
“We welcome this investment, which is the third cement production project in the province and will be instrumental in meeting national cement demand.”
Once operational, the Whi-Zim Cement Plant will be the third cement manufacturing facility in Mashonaland West Province.
The other two are Zimbabwe Huaxin Cement in Zvimba and the Shuntai Investment plant, which is currently under construction in Chegutu.
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