Staff Reporter

The Dinson Manhize Steel Plant now nears completion and upon completion it will reduce the country’s steel imports by 90 percent.

In a tweet yesterday, President Mnangagwa said that work being done at Dinson Manhize Steel Plant shows Government’s dedication to the future and its commitment to the achievement of Vision 2030.

“The Dinson Manhize Steel Plant is now halfway to completion. This will be Africa biggest integrated Steel works, reducing our country steel imports by 90 percent. This kind of progress shows our Government’s dedication to the future and our commitment to Vision 2030,”said President Mnangagwa.

Upon its completion, the Dinson Manhize Steel Plant is expected to produce 600 000 tonnes of steel per annum, boosting the country's steel reserves. The country would also benefit from technology transfer from China as some machinery to be used at the steel plant would come from China, complementing the long standing relationship Zimbabwe has with China.

Economic analyst, Albert Mangava said that the steel plant will benefit people of Chivhu and the surrounding areas through employment creation. Mangava added that Dinson Manhize Steel Plant was likely going to create over 6 000 jobs for the locals and other professionals.

According to Mangava, the establishment of a steel plant in Chikomba district would see the company assisting locals with the construction of schools, roads and dams. He added that he has hope that Manhize would rapidly develop and be awarded a town status soon.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony at Manhize last year, President Mnangagwa said that the steel plant was another step towards the realization of a US$12 billion mining industry by 2030.

Meanwhile, in 2021 the country spent more than US$400 million on steel imports after another steel giant, Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company, closed in 2008.As such, the Disco Manhize Steel Plant heralds a new chapter in the country’s journey towards modernization and industrialization.