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Ridge Tech Trading chief executive officer, Mr George Muchiza, said the equipment would be available once all contractual obligations have been met.
“The suppliers have agreed in principle to set up, commission and run the plant for an initial period of three to six months during which local staff will undergo training and mentorship.
“Various guarantees and warranties have also been put in place to ensure a continuous smooth operation of the project with minimal disruptions,” Mr Muchiza said.
With an output of 125MW, Mr Muchiza said the power plant would benefit 187 500 households and businesses without load-shedding or power outages.
“Marondera and its surrounding areas of Macheke and Wedza only need around 25 megawatts to sustain industry, mining, farming and domestic consumption.”
He said the power would be distributed via the national grid, and Zesa was thus part of the project.
“We are looking for a loan or grant, on favourable terms, to pay for the power plant.
“We at Ridge Tech will then take care of the shipping and freight insurance to Zimbabwe and all the costs related to the temporary relocation of the Chinese engineers who will be setting up the plant.
Commenting on the project, Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Permanent Secretary, Dr Desire Sibanda, said it was a welcome initiative.
“If their company can produce 125 megawatts, it means they would have contributed about 10 percent to the power generated at national level which is about 1 200 megawatts,” Dr Mutize said.
He said Zimbabwe was presently operating with just 40 percent of its energy requirements.
Online Reporter