Staff Reporter

President Mnangagwa has described the US$1 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) plant investment as a game changer that is set to create employment and empowerment opportunities, that will undoubtedly go a long way towards improving the quality of life of Zimbabweans, especially the youth and women.

The Manhize steel plant, which is a being set by DISCO, a subsidiary of the giant steel producer, Tshishang Holdings, is part of the Government’s 100 day priority projects and is expected to propel the country’s vision of realizing US$ 12 billion mining sector economy by 2023.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, President Mnangagwa said that the project was a critical constituent in the realisation of the US$12 billion mining industry and will make Zimbabwe a global powerhouse in steel production.

"The project constitutes a critical building block towards the realisation of the US$12 billion mining economy and our national Vision 2030.Through this investment, our country will now host one of the largest iron and steel manufacturing plant on the continent.

“It is envisaged to leap-frog us to emerge as a dynamic industrial hub, churning out a broad range of value added, ‘Made in Zimbabwe’ iron and steel products, for both local and international markets," he said.

The President highlighted that the project would help create a broad spectrum of opportunities aimed at improving quality of life for the people, especially the women and the youth.

"It is commendable that the US$1 billion capital investment for the first phase of the project is already having unprecedented spin offs. The employment and empowerment opportunities among other aspects will undoubtedly go a long way towards improving the quality of life of our people, especially women. In this regard, the construction of other enabling infrastructure is being prioritised and includes the construction of a dam, roads, railway track, power line, bridges, schools, health facilities and accommodation," said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa added that going forward and guided by the work ethic of the Second Republic, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, will be directed to accelerate the finalisation of the master plan of the proposed Smart City.

Meanwhile, the multi-billion dollars DISCO plant project is set to culminate in the establishment of a new town in Manhize area. The residents of that community have, however, already started benefiting from the project after local mobile operators, Netone and Econet, shared infrastructure and connected the area to facilitate smooth communication in the area.