Staff Reporter
President of the Engineering, Iron and Steel Association of Zimbabwe Chiedza Chigombe has raised concerns about the state of the steel industry following the closure of Ziscosteel.
Speaking at the Iron and Steel Indaba in Kwekwe, which was officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, she highlighted that the domestic demand for steel is primarily met through imports from South Africa and China.
“The domestic demand for steel estimated over 200 000 tonnes annually is largely being met through imports mainly from South Africa and China eversince the closure of Zisco,” she said.
She said the country has been spending over US$400 million annually on steel imports.
She noted that at its peak, Ziscosteel employed more than 5,000 workers directly and supported an additional 5,000 in associated industries.
“The collapse of the industry resulted in significant job losses. Currently the sector has unemployment level of 13 000 employees,” she added
She said the sector struggles with unreliable electrical supplies and high energy costs adding that steel exports have also dropped significantly since Ziscosteel’s closure.
