Johnson Progress

Bitumen World, a leading Zimbabwean construction company, has announced a major restructuring initiative that will see hundreds of its workers losing their jobs due to delayed payments from clients, including the government.

The company cited significant cash flow pressures as the reason for the cost-cutting measure, which is aimed at ensuring its long-term viability.

According to the company, the government’s delays in settling arrears has affected various projects, including road rehabilitation and dam construction.

The company’s chief executive, Andre Zietsman, emphasized that the decision to restructure was not made lightly, but it is essential for ensuring the company’s long-term viability and ability to continue contributing meaningfully to infrastructure development in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Zietsman explained that the company is committed to handling the layoffs with respect, transparency, and dignity, offering support to those affected through severance packages and transition assistance.

“The company is committed to handling this process with respect, transparency and dignity, offering support to those affected through severance packages and transition assistance,” the company said.

The layoffs are expected to impact the very people who built the company’s prestigious brand, which was wholly created by Zimbabweans.

Zietsman lamented the impact of the layoffs on these employees, saying, “The tragedy of these layoffs is that they impact the very people who built this prestigious brand — a brand that was wholly created by Zimbabweans.”

Despite the challenges, Bitumen World remains committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions and contributing to the development of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure.

The company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence, holding four ISO certifications and recently receiving the SADC Annual Quality Award.

Bitumen World has a proven track record of delivering large-scale projects on time and within budget, including the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway. With its restructuring initiative, the company aims to ensure its long-term sustainability and maintain its vital role in infrastructure development across the region.