By RENSON MNYAMWEZI
A Sh36 billion steel processing plant to be erected in Taita-Taveta County by Devki Steel Mills is expected to create employment opportunities and improve the socio-economic status of the local community.
The firm confirmed that they had acquired a 300-acre-plot to construct the plant at Mbulia Group Ranch in Tausa Division, saying raw material, mainly iron ore, will be sourced locally in Kishushe area.
Construction will be implemented in three phases, and will have a capacity to process 250,000 tonnes of iron ore annually when fully operational.
"We intend to spend Sh16 billion in the first and second phase of the project, and Sh20 billion in the third stage.
The firm plans to hire 90 per cent of its workforce from local residents, and will also support education, health and water projects, including improving road infrastructure, as part of its corporate social responsibility to the host community.
Addressing a Special Council meeting in Wundanyi town yesterday, Mr Raval said the steel company would move to the site immediately after all the legal paperwork is completed.
He said they had already finalised plans to start the iron smelting plant and had signed a 99-year land lease with the group ranch and all relevant stakeholders had been involved for the smooth running of the project, which he described as highly viable.
