HARARE, Jan. 29 (NewsDay Live) – Cement manufacturer Shuntai Investments Private Limited is on track to commission its US$120 million cement plant in Chegutu within the next six months, with construction now at 55% and most of the equipment already delivered to the site.
The company says it has already invested over US$80 million in the project, which it views as a vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic direction and the long-term potential of the Chegutu area.
Speaking to journalists during a tour of the plant on Wednesday, Shuntai Investments manager Zhao Zhiqiang said the project had moved into an advanced installation phase.
“So far we have already invested over US$80 million and by the time we finish, total investment will be around US$120 million,” Zhiqiang said.
“We have delivered more than 50% of the equipment and the general completion has exceeded 55%. It is a strong vote of confidence in Zimbabwe's economic direction and the potential of the Chegutu area.”
The plant will have a planned production capacity of 1 500 tonnes of cement per day, with output reaching up to 1 800 tonnes under optimal operating conditions.
“Our daily capacity is 1 500 tonnes of cement. Sometimes it can exceed 1 800 tonnes, but it cannot surpass that level,” he said.
Once operational, the facility is expected to create more than 500 jobs, while about 300 local workers are currently employed during the construction phase.
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Shuntai expects to begin supplying cement by mid-June, following a short commissioning and testing period.
“After the commissioning stage it will take almost two weeks to finish everything and then we will start supplying. Mid-June is our target,” Zhiqiang said.
The company said it would prioritise the domestic market in order to reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence on imported cement and help stabilise local supply and prices, with exports considered only if surplus capacity becomes available.
“We mainly focus on local sales and we will prioritise the local sales. If we have extra capacity, then we will consider exporting,” Zhiqiang said.
The project will establish a modern, fully integrated cement manufacturing plant using environmentally friendly technology to support infrastructure development in line with Vision 2030.
Environmental considerations form a central part of the investment, with Shuntai phasing out diesel-powered machinery in favour of greener alternatives.
“We are phasing out diesel-powered equipment and adopting more environmentally friendly and green energy vehicles, even the dump trucks and front loaders are supercharged,” Zhiqiang said.
The company also confirmed that a court dispute involving Bryden Country School Trust has been fully resolved, allowing construction to proceed without interruption.
“The court case is already solved. We are now on good terms and have a good relationship with the school,” Zhiqiang said.
