Mako Jerera
President Emmerson Mnangagwa today launched a potential game changer in the construction industry, which may give the country capacity to do homes in 3D print.
The country`s leading cement manufacturer, Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe, is behind the project.
The Dry Mortars (DMO) project is part of Lafarge Holcim Group’s US$25m additional investment of its Zimbabwean subsidiary, which was announced in 2019.
Speaking at the event at the LaFarge facility in Harare, President Mnangagwa acknowledged the potential that the facility and its explansion has to the economy.
“I am advised that Phase 1 involves the opening of a Dry motor plant, which manufactures cement value added building materials. The fact that the plant is the largest in Southern Africa and the first Lafarge Holcin dry plant of this magnitude in Africa must translate to increased product outputs such as tile adhesives, floor solutions, plasters and water proofing solutions, among others; not just for our local market but for exports as well,” President Mnangagwa said.
President Mnangagwa said the improved facility is a great way of keeping up with the Second Republic’s determination to engage and support the private sector, towards the modernisation, industrialisation, diversification and growing of the economy for win-win outcomes and ultimately the attainment of Vision 2030.
“Following the very successful summer cropping season, cement manufacturers must anticipate increased demand of cement related products from a cross section of our farmers as they improve farm infrastructure, housing and other amenities,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President further commended Lafarge for patrnering Government and local communities with regards to Corporate Social Responsibility.
The company’s cordial community relations has enhanced poverty eradication, improves health care, education and environmental protection.
The installation of the modern automated system, was handled by Varlik Industries in Turkey.
Accompaning the President was Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube who commended the company for the investment.
Minister Ncube commended the Lafarge investment drive as a positive step towards “private sector led growth” and import substitution of dry mortar related products that have been flooding the local market in recent years.
The DMO plant is expected to improve the company’s manufacturing capacity of dry mortar products per year from the current 7000t to 100,000t per annum. Current aggregate national demand for dry mortars is 100,000 tonnes including imports from the region.
With the new plant, Lafarge is able to meet the national demand and contribute to the country through import substitution.
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It is anticipated that at least 40 percent of product from the Dry Mortar will be exported into the region.
Lafarge managed to supply 10,000 tonnes of lime towards the Pfumvudza programme in 2020, the new automated capacity in the Dry mortar mix plant will increase agriculture lime under the Lafarge Super Grow brand to 40,000 tonnes in essence contributing to food security and other downstream agriculture value chain activities.
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