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Freedom Mupanedemo Midlands Bureau
Leaders in the Midlands province have hailed Government’s US$5 billion Steelmakers deal, saying it was set to transform the province’s socio-economic landscape.

Government on Tuesday signed an investment deal worth over US$5 billion with Chinese steel giant, Tsingshan, for the setting up of a steel plant in Mvuma, as well as bankrolling a number of mining activities in the province.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Larry Mavima said the deal was a welcome investment which came at the right time when the province was walking the President’s talk on devolution.

“It’s a welcome move, which we should be proud of especially as the people in this province,” he said. “It’s a game changer that is set to transform the face of the province in particular and the country at large.

“The President has been pragmatic on what he wants to achieve and that the economy should grow to become a middle class economy by 2030 and he is walking the talk by clinching game changing deals like this one, we are very happy.”

Redcliff mayor, Councillor Clayton Masiyatsva, said they were praying that the deal could to be implemented as a matter of urgency.

“I think if it comes to fruition, this deal will make our province and Redcliff, which is home to Steelmakers’ old plant, tick again,” he said. “We have been longing for such deals to revive our steel industry and we pray that this deal sails through.”

Kwekwe deputy mayor, Councillor Shadreck Tobaiwa said the deal was what the province was longing for.

“If we have such investments deals implemented, then we will get back to our old days when Midlands used to be the industrial hub,” he said.

The deal is expected to create at least 30 000 jobs.