Gwanda pins hope on Chivayo

FOR more than a decade, the proposed 100MW Gwanda Solar Project has been talked about as a potential game-changer for Matabeleland South and Zimbabwe’s energy sector. Yet despite the excitement that surrounded its launch, the project has remained largely on paper, leaving many residents frustrated and disappointed.

Now, a fresh wave of hope is sweeping through Gwanda after businessman and philanthropist Mr Wicknell Chivayo publicly declared that he is willing to finance the long-delayed project using his own resources.

The announcement, made during an interview on the Denny J Show, has reignited expectations that the solar plant could finally become a reality and help ease the country’s ongoing electricity challenges.

Speaking during the interview, Mr Chivayo said the project has become a deeply personal matter for him and that he is determined to see it completed.

“I am moving to come up with some ideas. I am going to put some of my money because that is the project that is the worst thing that has happened in my life. Everywhere I go, it’s about the Gwanda Solar Project.

So I said, look, I am willing to put my own money in, even if the Government doesn’t pay me. I am willing to build that solar farm with my own money and even walk away unpaid. I will do anything,” said Mr Chivayo.

His remarks have been warmly received in Gwanda, where residents have waited years for progress on a project many believe could transform the district’s economic fortunes.

Residents and civic leaders say a functioning solar plant would not only improve electricity generation in the province but also contribute power to the national grid, helping to address shortages affecting homes, businesses and industries across the country.

Gwanda Municipality Mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo, said council had not yet received any official communication regarding Mr Chivayo’s proposed intervention. However, he said the local authority would welcome any effort aimed at bringing the long-awaited project to life.

“As the Municipality of Gwanda, nothing formal has been communicated yet. We await proper engagement so that we can align on how best to support the project for the benefit of our community,” said Alderman Moyo.

For many residents, the promise represents another opportunity to finally deliver a project that has been delayed for years. Gwanda Progressive Residents Association chairperson Mr Methusi Moyo said the community remains hopeful that this time tangible progress will follow the promises.

He said the benefits of the solar project would extend far beyond electricity generation.

“The project will not only improve energy availability for Gwanda but the whole country since it will feed into the national grid.

“It will also improve local tourism as people would visit Gwanda to see and learn, including schools. Green energy is the way to go, and this would probably open doors for many such projects in and around our district.

“We will appreciate it when it has happened. We have waited for this project to take off for many years. We hope it takes off will also create employment and improve other infrastructure within and around the solar plant.

“We, the people of Gwanda, are ready to see development that improves lives and transforms our town for the better. All we ask is that this time the project is delivered,” said Mr Moyo.

Other residents echoed similar sentiments, saying the community stands ready to support initiatives that bring investment, jobs and development to the town. One resident, Mr Molvin Ncube, described Mr Chivayo’s pledge as a positive step that has given many people renewed hope.

“As Gwanda residents, we warmly welcome and appreciate Mr Chivayo’s pledge to assist Gwanda with a solar plant project. We are hopeful that this important promise will materialise and bring meaningful development to our town.

“A reliable solar project has the potential to improve the lighting system and general state of Gwanda, enhance safety, support businesses and contribute towards a cleaner and more sustainable source of energy. We applaud this positive commitment and hope that the pledge will move from words into action,” said Mr Ncube.

The 100MW Gwanda Solar Project was first awarded in 2015 but has faced a series of setbacks over the years, including funding challenges, contractual disputes and implementation delays.

Despite the obstacles, the project remains one of Zimbabwe’s most anticipated renewable energy investments. Once completed, it is expected to rank among the country’s largest solar power installations and support Government efforts to diversify power generation away from hydroelectric and thermal energy sources.

Energy experts have long pointed to Matabeleland South’s high solar irradiation levels, describing the province as one of Zimbabwe’s most suitable locations for large-scale solar projects.

They argue that successful implementation of the Gwanda Solar Project could attract further investment, encourage skills development, stimulate economic activity and improve infrastructure in surrounding communities.

For now, residents are cautiously optimistic. After years of waiting, they say what matters most is seeing machinery on the ground and construction work begin.

Civic leaders are urging all stakeholders, including Government, the private sector and local communities, to work together to ensure the project finally moves beyond announcements and into implementation.

For the people of Gwanda, the promise of reliable power, new jobs and economic growth remains alive. Their message is simple: the town has waited long enough, and now they want to see the project delivered.