Government Clarifies Temporary Pause at Whi-Zim Cement Plant

Government says the temporary halt at the US$1 billion Whi-Zim Cement Plant in Hurungwe is due to EIA compliance and not a withdrawal of support (image source)

HURUNGWE — Government has clarified that the temporary suspension of construction works at the US$1 billion Whi-Zim Cement Plant in Magunje, Hurungwe District, is part of routine regulatory compliance and does not signal a withdrawal of State support for the project.

Authorities said the pause was necessitated by the need for the investor to address outstanding requirements under its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), adding that construction will resume once all conditions have been fully met. Officials stressed that the project remains a priority investment and continues to enjoy Government backing.

A Whi-Zim official, Mr David Leo, said the company is implementing measures outlined in the EIA, including compensation for affected communities.

“We are working on meeting the set conditions in our Environmental Impact Assessment, including compensation of affected individuals,” he said. “Once operational, we expect to produce at least 1.2 million tonnes of clinker and about 1.8 million tonnes of cement annually.”

Local leaders said the project has already delivered tangible benefits through employment creation during the construction phase, with expectations of wider socio-economic gains once operations commence. Chief Chanetsa said the cement plant would be a catalyst for development in the area.

“This cement plant brings employment opportunities and economic activity to the area,” he said. “It also improves access to building materials for housing and public infrastructure.”

Magunje legislator Honourable Super-Monga Madiro described Whi-Zim as a major development milestone for Hurungwe District, noting its potential to stimulate rural industrialisation.

“The project will create employment opportunities and support infrastructure development, contributing to rural economic growth,” he said.

Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Marian Chombo reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting investors who comply with regulatory frameworks.

“We remain focused on creating an ease-of-doing-business environment,” she said. “We have encouraged the investor to fully comply with Environmental Management Agency requirements so that construction can proceed.”

Once completed, Whi-Zim will become the third cement manufacturing facility in Mashonaland West, joining Zimbabwe Huaxin Cement in Zvimba and the Shuntai Investment plant under development in Chegutu. Officials say this will significantly strengthen domestic cement supply, reduce imports, and enhance Zimbabwe’s industrial capacity.