Published: 13 February 2018

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) Masvingo chapter says the government should prioritise the recapitalisation of the Cold Storage Commission (CSC) as many downstream industries stand to benefit from this.

At its peak, the CSC in Masvingo used to employ over 2000 people.     

Not only workers directly employed by the commission were affected as some downstream industries were also hard hit by its closure.

The CZI is lobbying the government for the recapitalisation of the company.

"We have engaged the Deputy Minister of Agriculture on the reopening of CSC. They need about $15 million to start both the plant and establish cattle ranches. Downstream industries will also benefit from this," said Mr Sternly Kondongwe, the CZI chairperson for Masvingo Chapter.

Masvingo Province has an estimated herd of plus or minus 2 million cattle.

The bulk of Masvingo's industries are struggling with their operations, with many having closed shop due to financial constraints.

Thousands of workers were also rendered jobless in the city following the closure of the Shabanie and Mashava mines.

The captains of industry are also calling on the government to look into the re-opening of the mines.
- zbc

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