Staff reporter
Local businesses and villagers in Midlands have welcomed the operationalizing of an electrification deal between Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) and Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) recently.
In the deal, ZETDC will construct 100km, 330Kv power line from Sherwood (Kwekwe) to Manhize in the Midlands Province.
A local businessman in Manhize, Tawanda Chivhinge said residents in Manhize were upbeat about this deal as they had already started to benefit from DISCO’s presents in Manhize.
“As a community, we welcome electricity into our area because it is a major necessity for human habitation and also for us the business people. We are even more excited of learning that electricity is coming into our area, DISCO will only utilise 60% whilst 40% will be directed to us the locals,” said Mr Chivhinge.
Another source who spoke to this publication was optimistic on the job opportunities that would be created as a result of the agreed contract between ZETDC and DISCO.
“For us the unemployed locals who live within the vicinity of the power line, we are happy that we will be able to get employment from ZETDC ranging from clearing the land to any other odd jobs that we can qualify to do. So far, we have also been doing small jobs in clearing up land and also road works. Unfortunately competition has been high in getting these jobs. Since ZETDC is now coming, we are happy because this will help in reducing the competition for jobs,” said the Source.
DISCO is projected to be the biggest iron and steel plant in Africa with a starting production capacity of two million tonnes per year. The mine will produce a range of iron and steel products that includes materials such as roofing sheets and other wide range requirements for both local and regional markets.
Meanwhile, Manhize community is expected to benefit from the partnership between ZETDC and Disco. This includes the modernisation of the area, tarred road systems and a railway line from the mining plant into the country’s railway system.
