Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has encouraged various stakeholders to strategically position themselves and take advantage of opportunities associated with National Strategic Projects like the one at Manhize Iron and Steel Company (DISCO).

The President said this while addressing delegates at the Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Integrated Dinson Iron Mining and Steel Manufacturing Plant in Manhize.

“The emerging Iron and Steel Industrial Park here at Manhize will definitely generate downstream and upstream opportunities. It is, therefore, against this background that I urge local communities, companies and small to medium enterprises, particularly women and the youth, to strategically position themselves to take maximum advantage of the attendant opportunities associated with this national strategic project,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa also implored the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to set up a platform that allows various stakeholders to interact on various ways of value addition on steel products. He also urged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to work closely with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science, Innovation and Technology Developments so as to strengthen skills development and local capability.

“I also call upon the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, together with other stakeholders, to set up a platform to continuously share and deepen insights into the international best practice in iron and steel production. Further, the Ministry is encouraged to collaborate with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science, Innovation and Technology Development to strengthen skills development and local capabilities. This must in turn, inform the subsequent performance and growth of the sector for the realisation of broader desired national benefits,” he said.

One of the local companies which has since benefited from the Manhize Iron and Steel Company is Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Authority (ZETDC), which has since signed a Memorandum of Understanding to construct a 100km power line from Sherwood to Manhize.

Once operational, DISCO is expected to contribute towards the US$12 billion mining economy targeted by Zimbabwe Government whilst creating jobs during construction of health facilities, a dam, schools and accommodation. DISCO will also produce 600 000 MT annually making Zimbabwe the biggest iron and steel producer in Africa.