adminDumisani Nsingo
Bulawayo Bureau
Cold Storage Company (CSC) has taken delivery of solar panels and other ancillary equipment that will be used to power its main plant in Bulawayo, as it makes concerted efforts to revive one of the country’s strategic entities.
The company’s consultant, Mr Reginald Shoko, said the arrival of the solar equipment, which is expected to generate three megawatts (MW), will ensure uninterrupted power supply when operations resume.
In March this year, UK-based Boustead Beef reached an agreement with Government to acquire the company.
“We have taken delivery of solar panels and other ancillary equipment for our rooftop photovoltaic solar plant. As you are aware, the country is facing a big challenge in terms of adequate power supply. Once we start production, we wouldn’t want an interruption because power is very integral in the meat business. We cannot operate our abattoirs and cold rooms without a reliable power supply,” he said.
The installation of the solar plant is estimated to cost US$10 million.
“We expect the work on the solar project to resume soon after delivery of all the equipment. We have actually sent almost all the workers on paid leave to pave way for this massive infrastructural development.
“We already have expatriate technicians and engineers on site.
“The cold rooms also need to be worked on and the equipment, including heavy-duty compressors, is already on its way,” said Mr Shoko.
Online Reporter