Kwekwe (New Ziana) – Chinese firm, Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) – which is building a multi-billion integrated iron and steel plant in Mvuma – has completed building a bridge over the Munyati River, connecting the provinces of Mashonaland East and West, and Midlands.

The bridge is one of several infrastructure projects, including a power station and railway line, that the company pledged to undertake as part of its US1.5 billion iron and steel plant.

In a statement, Disco said more infrastructure projects were on the cards, as it develops both the iron and steel plant, and an associated new city of 20 000 people.

“This is part of huge infrastructure developments our investments will make in the three provinces involved and beyond,” it said.

“From a civil works and engineering perspective, this is one of the best bridges in the country with huge load capacity and lifespan of so many years,” it added.

Construction of the bridge started six months ago.

The huge iron and steel project is now halfway complete and is expected to spin off massive downstream economic and social benefits for local communities and the country as a whole.

Among other things, it will create thousands of new jobs, and almost end the country’s current costly imports of iron and steel. Much of its output will, instead, be exported.

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

New Ziana