Online Reporter
Runesu Gwidi
Masvingo Bureau
PUMA Energy Zim has expanded its domestic footprint into rural communities and established its first integrated solarised rural service station at Mhandamabwe Business Centre in Chivi North.
The petroleum giant is also working on modalities to open five more of such rural sites within the next three years.
Officially opening the new filling station on Wednesday, Energy and Power Development, Deputy Minister Yeukai Simbanegavi applauded Mhuri Properties ( Pvt Ltd), which partnered with PUMA Energy Zimbabwe for the establishment of the facility.
She said the development marked a new era in the energy sector and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting the ease of doing business, while enabling deliberate investment aimed at accelerating the national economy and uplifting rural livelihoods.
“We commend Mhuri Properties ( Pvt Ltd) for their meaningful partnership with PUMA Energy Zimbabwe and for coming up with the solarised fueling station here at Mhandamambwe Business Centre,” she said.
“This place is located at the intersection of Masvingo-Bulawayo and Beitbridge -Gweru highways and is strategic for boosting regional trade as it links the nation to neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique.
“Apparently, PUMA Energy Zimbabwe’s expansion into rural communities speaks directly to national aspirations espoused in the National Development Strategy Two.”
She further said the Second Republic, under the astute and visionary leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is committed to ensuring reliable access to fuels, which supports agriculture, mining, transport sectors, as well as local commerce.
Shurugwi South legislator Eng. Wilson Mhuri and his wife, Dr Muchaneta Bhondai Mhuri, are behind the successful partnership with PUMA Energy Zimbabwe.
“We decided to enter into this partnership with a view to creating a strong development corridor, reducing the isolation of the Mhandamabwe community and opening up opportunities for growth and inclusive economic participation,” said Dr Mhuri.
At least 40 people, most of them locals, were employed during the construction of the site.
Meanwhile, PUMA Energy Zimbabwe general manager Patrick Ngugi said the site is unique for its diversification.
It supplies petrol, diesel and a wide range of lubricants, while Liquefied Petroleum Gas ( LPG) is coming soon.
“It also offers reliable financial services and rewards customers through the new fully- integrated and multi-tiered loyalty application, PUMA PRIS programme,” he said
At the ceremony, PUMA Energy Head of the African continent, Mr Ben Ouattara, singled out Zimbabwe as a strategic anchor for PUMA Energy’s inherent continental vision.
“We are aiming at energising all communities on the African continent. Now Zimbabwe is not another market in our networking as PUMA Energy, but a strategic anchor in our vision,” he said.
“As PUMA Energy, we are particularly impressed with Zimbabwe’s capability to navigate the increasingly complex global market.
Its existing partnerships and collaboration between the public and private sectors are very powerful.”
