Shuntai Cement Plant to Transform Chegutu

📅 Published: August 20, 2025

Curated by AllZimNews.com

Bryden Country School was founded in 1983, decades after quarrying and mining activities had already been established in the Chegutu area, then known as Hartley.

Quarry sites in the area were owned by whites from the 1940s and were pegged in the 1970s under GW.

Mining operations, including blasting, were active from the 1980s until 2007 — all of which existed alongside the school without incident.

Community members who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity said Bryden had little basis to raise objections to pre-existing and legally sanctioned industrial activities. “Notably, the school has raised no complaints about a gold mine owned by Bangira, which was registered after 1983 and operates just 600 metres from the school’s offices and residences.

In contrast, the Shuntai cement plant is nearly double that distance away, at 1. 2 km,” one community member said.

Concerns about dust and noise pollution also appear misplaced.

The busy A5 highway — carrying thousands of vehicles daily — runs just 200 metres from Bryden’s premises, generating far greater noise than the distant cement plant ever will.

Shuntai has invested in cutting-edge technology to manage dust and noise, ensuring full compliance with environmental standards.

Company officials have assured stakeholders that the plant’s operations will not exceed regulatory limits.

The cement project comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwe, as the Second Republic drives massive infrastructure development projects in housing, roads, and dams.

Cement demand is rising sharply, and Shuntai’s investment will ease shortages, lower costs, and support the government’s development agenda.

Beyond national benefits, the project will bring life-changing opportunities to Chegutu.

Hundreds of jobs are expected to be created during construction and operation, providing employment to local communities, particularly the youth. “This is not just about cement production — it is about empowering people, growing the local economy, and building Zimbabwe’s future,” a Shuntai spokesperson said.

While the High Court recently found Shuntai in contempt of a provisional order halting work, the company has already filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.

Shuntai is confident in the lawfulness of its operations and the economic necessity of the project.