Zimbabwe: Shuntai Investments Pvt Ltd expects to commission its US$120m cement plant in Chegutu within the next six months, with construction reportedly 55% complete and most equipment already delivered, according to NewsDay Zimbabwe. Speaking during a site tour, Shuntai Investments’ manager Zhao Zhiqiang said that the project had moved into an ‘advanced installation phase.’ “So far we have already invested over US$80m, and by the time we finish, total investment will be around US$120m,” he said.
The plant will have a production capacity of 1500t/day of cement (~495,000t/yr), rising to 1800t/day (~594,000t/yr) under optimal conditions. The company expects to begin supplying cement by mid-June 2026 following a short commissioning and testing period. Once operational, the facility is expected to create more than 500 jobs, with approximately 300 local workers currently employed for the construction of the plant. The company said it would prioritise the domestic market to reduce reliance on imports and stabilise local supply and prices, with exports considered only if surplus capacity becomes available.
Zhiqiang said that the company is phasing out diesel-powered equipment in favour of more environmentally-friendly alternatives, including ‘supercharged’ trucks and front loaders. He also confirmed that a court dispute involving Bryden Country School Trust had been resolved. The company is now reportedly ‘on good terms’ and has a ‘good relationship’ with the school. In August 2025 it was reported that the company was in a legal battle with the school over its close proximity to the planned cement plant, located roughly 500m from the school.
