Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Writer
THE City of Bulawayo is seeking alternative investors to implement a proposed solar power project at Inyankuni Pump Station after moving to rescind its five-year-old resolution to engage Williams Engineering, which failed to undertake a mandatory feasibility study required for the project.
The development could reopen opportunities for private sector participation in renewable energy infrastructure as the local authority seeks to improve electricity reliability at one of its critical water pumping facilities and strengthen the sustainability of water supply operations.
In a report presented by the Financial Director on 26 October 2026, Council was advised to rescind its 6 January 2021 resolution authorising Management to engage Williams Engineering following the company’s unsolicited proposal to implement a solar power project to supply electricity to Inyankuni Pump Station.
The proposal had subsequently been submitted to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) for scrutiny and received Cabinet approval for implementation.
However, the approval was conditional on Williams Engineering undertaking or funding a full feasibility study before the signing of a Public–Private Partnership agreement.
The company failed to fulfil this requirement despite several engagements with the local authority, effectively stalling progress on the proposed investment, council said.
“Despite several engagements with Williams Engineering, including clarification of the condition attached to the approval, the company had neither undertaken nor funded the required feasibility study.
“The feasibility study remained a prerequisite to progress the project and to conclude the proposed Public–Private Partnership agreement. Williams Engineering’s failure to fulfil this requirement had therefore prevented the project from advancing.
“Following these engagements, Management had concluded that the company could not satisfy the condition. Accordingly, Management had sent Williams Engineering a notice of revocation of the conditional approval,” reads part of the report.
The proposed solar installation remains strategically important to the city’s water infrastructure, particularly in improving the reliability of electricity supply to Inyankuni Pump Station and ensuring continuity of water pumping operations.
Reliable electricity is critical to municipal water delivery, with interruptions to power supply potentially affecting pumping schedules, water availability and the operational efficiency of the distribution system.
The pursuit of an alternative investment partner presents an opportunity for Council to reconsider the project under a framework that prioritises technical feasibility, financial sustainability and effective project implementation.
Council noted that the next phase should involve identifying suitably qualified partners capable of meeting the project’s technical and financial requirements while complying with procurement and Public–Private Partnership procedures.
“Council should therefore rescind its earlier resolution and authorise Management to identify alternative, suitably qualified partners in accordance with the applicable procurement and Public–Private Partnership procedures.
“Any subsequent engagement should include a full feasibility study, demonstrate technical and financial capacity, and secure the requisite approvals before implementation,” the report stated.
The proposed change in approach places greater emphasis on project preparation before the conclusion of investment agreements, helping to ensure that future engagements are supported by adequate technical assessments and credible financing arrangements.
The project provides a potential entry point into Zimbabwe’s renewable energy and municipal infrastructure sectors, where solar solutions can help reduce dependence on conventional electricity supplies and improve the resilience of essential public services.
The latest development also shows the importance of converting approved investment proposals into bankable projects capable of moving from planning to implementation.
