ED commissions $3,5m plant

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday commissioned a $3,5 million Splash Paints and Plastics plant in Harare and challenged all sectors of the economy to be active contributors to foreign currency generation.

In a speech read on his behalf by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, the President said businesses should play their part in economic revival.

The investment by Splash Paints and Plastics, the President said, was in line with the country’s economic revival strategy which prioritised modernisation and expansion of all sectors of the economy.

“The company has embraced latest production technology by installing these new machines which are more efficient and have bigger production capacity which will undoubtedly increase your ability to adequately supply both the domestic and export markets,” he said.

“In this regard, I exhort the Splash Paints and Plastics to continue pursuing an export-led growth strategy, as this will not only result in increased foreign currency availability for the purchase of raw materials for your business, but will equally contribute to the country’s overall foreign currency earnings.”

President Mnangagwa said Government was on a vigorous drive to attract investment in line with the national vision for Zimbabwe to become a middle-income country by 2030.

He said business strategies should no longer be developed in silo or isolation, but should now be alive to the broader national aspirations, as well as the associated sector synergies and linkages.

The President urged industry to think in the context of the bigger national vision and dovetail their business models accordingly.

“It is through such focused, cooperative and team efforts that our nation will achieve sustainable economic growth. I, however, exhort business to be alive to converging global trading environment and development business strategies that recognise country’s trade obligations and commitments.”

Splash Paints and Plastics managing director Mr Anis Patel said the paint and plastic industry was a crucial sector for economic development of any country.

“As a growing company, Splash has enjoyed a fast growth of about 8 to 10 percent annually in recent years,” he said.

“Against this backdrop, the demand for paint and plastic products by the Zimbabwean and regional markets is on steady rise. Therefore, this project of ours is very timely. The whole project will be implemented in a phased manner. We are happy to see that the first phase of $3,5 million plant has been successfully completed and commissioned today. In the next phases we will witness the winding up of a tile and adhesive factory in Graniteside, with a production capacity of 85 000 tonnes annually and the completion of DPC plant in Marondera.”

◆

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will on Monday officially open the country’s fourth permanent High Court in Mutare.

The opening ceremony follows completion of renovations at the magnificent double-storey court house.

The modern glass-and-mortar structure boasts four fully-furnished courtrooms, two judges’ chambers and offices for court officials and external stakeholders.

Judicial Service Commission (JSC) acting secretary Mr Walter Chikwana said President Mnangagwa would be the guest of honour.

“The High Court in Mutare will open its doors to the public on May 7 this year,” he said.

“President Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour. The ceremony will also mark the beginning of the second term of the 2018 legal year.”

The superior courts are on vacation after closure of the first term early April.

All departments of the High Court, except judges, have already started work at the Mutare High Court.

In March, Chief Justice Luke Malaba toured the building and described it as wonderful.

He expressed satisfaction with the work, describing the structure as a magnificent and world class court house.

“The building is of high standards, both in terms of the structure and facilities that it provides,” said Chief Justice Malaba.

“The court rooms are of international standard and you cannot expect any better.

“Furniture is of high quality and you cannot expect any better. The structure answers to the wellness of the users. It is user-friendly and it just goes on to show that a lot of attention was put into the structure.”

Mutare High Court will be the fourth permanent High Court station in the country.

The High Court in Harare was the first to be established, followed by the Bulawayo High Court, with the one in Masvingo being the third.