Chivhu Booms as Manhize Steel Project Drives Growt...

Chivhu Booms as Manhize Steel Project Drives Growth

Rutendo Mazhindu - ZimNow Reporter

Economic activity in Chivhu is on a sharp upward trajectory, spurred by the ongoing construction and operations at the US$1.5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) plant in Manhize, located approximately 40 kilometres from the town.

The development, which is already attracting significant investment into the surrounding communities, has led to a rapid transformation of Chivhu’s retail and infrastructure landscape. The town, about 100 kilometres from Harare along the busy Harare–Masvingo Highway, is now a hive of construction, trade and local enterprise activity.

On a recent visit to Chivhu, economic analyst Kura Chihota observed clear signs of economic vibrancy and increased business confidence.

“I’ve got out of Harare and I’m in Chivhu, which is about 100 kilometres along the Harare–Masvingo Highway. I just wanted to take a pulse on what’s going on in the area, given you have a major investment and a major new employer, Dinson Iron and Steel, the Manhize plant, about 40 kilometres away from here. Money is definitely circulating in the town,” he said.

“There’s a big truck right there delivering building supplies at N Richards and Company. That’s telling me there’s offtake in the area,” he added.

“I am past hand-counting 100 of these little 30 square metre shops. Those shops are small businesses supplying whoever wants whatever from groceries to chicken feed to day-old chicks.”

He also noted a visible expansion of the central business district and the construction of a multi-level retail complex.

“What’s really exciting is the CBD is expanding. I’m not sure if it’s through yet, but Chivhu was going to be upgraded to get city status. But money is being spent. That’s a multi-level retail centre. For who? No one’s building to lose money. There’s uptake in the area. This is what economic devolution looks and feels like,” said Chihota.

Chivhu was recently granted town status, with a new Town Board established to oversee local development and service delivery.

Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe confirmed the elevation of Chivhu, stating the move was in line with Government’s devolution agenda and commitment to empowering local authorities.

“Chivhu is now a town in its own right, and the establishment of its own Town Board will ensure focused development and improved service delivery. This move is part of our broader national vision to empower local authorities and promote economic growth in all corners of Zimbabwe,” said Minister Garwe.

The town has also witnessed major infrastructure developments, including the completion of the Chivhu Dam and water treatment project. The plant provides over 200 cubic metres of treated water per hour and supports both domestic supply and a 120-hectare irrigation scheme aimed at improving food production and resilience in the district.

The Harare–Masvingo Highway, which runs through Chivhu, has also been upgraded, with the construction of a new bypass and traffic circle improving access into the town.

These developments have significantly boosted investor confidence and encouraged further commercial growth.

New retail complexes, housing schemes, medical centres and service stations are under development to cater for the increasing demand driven by the Manhize steel project. The town is also earmarked for the development of a new township to accommodate up to 30 000 residents between Chivhu and Mvuma, in response to the expected population growth in the area.

The government'’s thrust on industrialisation, infrastructure development and rural transformation continues to bear fruit as Chivhu emerges as one of the key growth centres underpinned by the ongoing steel investment.