Chinhokwe, which is Allied Timber’s biggest wet sawmill, was reduced to scrap after an inferno razed the building. In 1997, before the economic meltdown and hyper inflation period, Chinhokwe was the biggest timber processing plant in Africa.
Speaking during the tour of the site, Allied Timbers spokesperson, Veronica Gutu, said the total cost of the damage was estimated at $1, 3 million. She said the company procured Slidetech machinery from South Africa.
Allied Timbers Divisional Manager, Kurai Kujinga, said before the fire Chinhokwe produced 2 000 cubic metres of timber per day.
He said they are expecting to up production following the delivery of another Slidetech machine from South Africa.
Allied Timbers run nine estates in Zimbabwe. Eight are in Manicaland province while one is in Muteyo Mvuma in Midlands province.
The company exports timber to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi and Namibia.
Post published in: News