The ManicaPost
Tanaka Makuwaza
Post Correspondent
MANICALAND is set to reap huge benefits from sawdust as the resource, often seen as a waste product, will be used as a source of energy for brick curing at the newly established Beta Holdings Brick Plant in Penhalonga.
In an interview with Post Business on the sidelines of a Beta Holdings Brick Plant’s stakeholder consultative meeting in Penhalonga last week on Friday, Forestry Commission Provincial Extension Manager, Mr Philip Tomu hailed the development and said the move will reduce pollution.
“As Forestry Commission, we are excited about this. Brick moulding is one of the key drivers of deforestation. Now that Beta Holdings does not require any wood to cure its bricks, we are anticipating a decline in deforestation.
“As the timber industry, we have also been struggling to manage our sawdust and this project will go a long way in addressing this problem,” said Mr Tomu.
He added that the waste product will also generate income for locals.
“The project will be a plus to the timber industry since it will derive value to the product we used to refer to as waste,” he said.
Beta International chief executive officer, Mr Godfrey Manhambara pledged to employ environmentally friendly practices in the company’s operations, highlighting that they have a budget to carter for environmental rehabilitation.
“We are aware that the nature of our operations has an impact on the environment and being mindful of that, we have a programme that seeks to rehabilitate the environment. Some of our pits can be used for fisheries, just like what we have done in Mt Hampden, Harare,” said Mr Manhambara.
He added that as a company, they are guided by the Environment Management Agency’s standards which compels them to submit an environmental management plan each year.
Director for Economic Development in the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Munyaradzi Rubaya called for the construction of strong infrastructure.
Mr Rubaya said the project is expected to create jobs for locals and bring in foreign currency into the province, thereby increasing Manicaland’s gross domestic product.
The Beta Holdings first phase investment is about US$1,5 million and it is our hope that it will create employment for over 150 local people.
It will also add to the provincial GDP and a lot of support industries will benefit from this project.
The Beta Holdings’ Penhalonga plant is expected to produce 1,5 million bricks per month, which can be increased depending on the demand.
