Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in KWEKWE
THE Second Republic has zero tolerance for sabotage of strategic national investments, the President has said.
Commissioning the New Glovers Solar Power Plant here yesterday, President Mnangagwa warned that anyone who steals cables, vandalises infrastructure or demands bribes from investors would be considered “an enemy of development”.
“A solar panel stolen today means a job lost tomorrow. Guard this project like you guard your own homes. Protect this asset,” he said.
The solar power plant has a capacity of 10 megawatts (MW) and is expected to generate approximately 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually.
It marks the first phase of a rollout towards a total installed capacity of 110MW upon completion of the project.
The facility comprises 18 600 solar panels, supported by 31 inverters, two smart transformers, and a 6km transmission line that connects seamlessly to the national grid.
President Mnangagwa described the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to diversify the national energy mix and build resilience against climate change and associated energy challenges.
“Further, projects of this nature are of critical importance with regards modernisation, industrialisation, increased agricultural productivity, and the development of rural industry systems.
“These are the results of the people-centred and development-oriented policies of our ruling revolutionary mass party, ZANU PF.
“Under the Second Republic, tiri musangano neHurumende inozadzisa zvivimbiso kune ruzhinji, tichiita mabasa anooneka, anobatika uye achishandura hupenyu hwedu,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the establishment of the power generation facility represents immense investor confidence in ongoing economic reforms and the country’s future.
The project is historic, being among the first implemented under the Government Project Support Agreement framework.
Added the President: “This is a mechanism which creates a conducive and bankable investment environment for renewable energy development and infrastructure financing.
“It is intended to provide comfort to investors through measures that guarantee cost-reflective tariffs, guaranteed uptake of generated power and the offshore repatriation of dividends.
“Such interventions are designed to position Zimbabwe as a competitive and attractive destination for long-term infrastructure investment.” The President also said energy remains a key enabler for economic transformation and national development.
Reliable, affordable, and clean energy, he added, has the ripple effects of overall economic productivity, investment attraction, job creation, and improved quality of life for the people.
“Our country is endowed with abundant solar radiation. Zuva rakawanda munyika yedu. The sun is our silent partner.
“As such, the construction of this solar power plant is a welcome development and fully aligns with the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 and the broader green energy agenda.
“I, therefore, challenge other investors, industries, institutions, and communities to emulate this example by embracing renewable energy solutions and productive investments that support national development,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the New Glovers solar project forms part of Government’s 100-Day Cycle Priority Projects and its completion within record time reflects the discipline, efficiency, coordination and commitment to results, which have become synonymous with the Second Republic.
He added that the achievement is a testament that when Government and the private sector work hand in hand, the country can deliver projects of international standard.
“Kana taka batana, tichishanda pamwe chete, hapana chinokona kubudirira. The New Glovers Solar Plant is generating electricity as well as empowering communities, creating jobs, transferring skills and uplifting livelihoods.
“This resonates well with the Second Republic’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
Pursuant to the attainment of upper-middle-class economic status by 2030, the President said the Second Republic would continue implementing programmes and projects that close the lifestyle and opportunity gaps between citizens in urban and rural areas.
“MuVision 2030, tirikushanda kuti munhu wese muZimbabwe ave nehupenyu hwakasimukira, economy yedu ichibudirira.
“Tose ngatishandei nesimba kuti tizadzise chishuviro ichi.
“As Midlands Province, it is my expectation that district by district, the aspirations and goals set out in Vision 2030, will be achieved, way ahead of time, leveraging on the province’s rich natural resource endowments.
“We must, in this respect, collaborate and scale up synergies for the value addition and beneficiation of all our resources, across the various sub-sectors of the economy. I look forward to positive provincial GDP growth,” he said.
President Mnangagwa then rallied the country’s young entrepreneurs to “pursue your dreams and realise your full potential as you help to build the Zimbabwe we all deserve”.
“The future of our country lies in our hands. Let us always remember that Zimbabwe belongs to all of us.
“The New Glovers Solar Plant is more than a source of electricity. It is a beacon of hope and a symbol of innovation. It is a testimony of resilience, and indeed, proof that when Zimbabweans unite and rise to the occasion, our national development leaps forward,” he said.
The President said more must be done by local capital markets towards the mobilisation of resources for strategic national projects that directly impact Vision 2030, and the industrialisation as well as modernisation of the country.
He added that he was pleased that the 10 MW plant was undertaken by New Glovers Solar, an indigenous independent power producer.
“This demonstrates the role played by the private sector to complement Government efforts to modernise and grow our economy.
“The company’s ambition to expand this initiative into a 100 MW solar power plant, is commendable. Well done. Be assured that my administration will support you. Zimbabwe is indeed open for business,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also praised pension funds and financial institutions that participated in the project.
Cash-rich individuals and entities, including those in the diaspora, were also encouraged to diversify their investments into key national priority projects.
“Kana mawana zvamawana kuminda, mumigodhi, neikoko kunze kwenyika, musadye mari yose, ngativakei nyika yekwedu, nematunhu edu, kuti nyika ibudirire, remangwana rive raka jeka,” said President Mnangagwa.
Both urban and rural local authorities were also directed by the President to ring-fence and reserve land for the establishment of energy and technology parks.
“Taka bvumirana kuti ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo’.
“I congratulate the young Zimbabweans behind New Glovers Solar, who spearheaded the construction of this plant.
“I also applaud engineers, technicians, financiers, and other stakeholders who worked tirelessly for the successful completion of this important project.
“Your collective efforts, unity of purpose and hard work, demonstrate the abundant skills, innovation, and determination that exist among our people,” said President Mnangagwa.
Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo, said Government is making strides towards the electrification of all parts of the country.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said the country is marching closer towards energy sovereignty.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube said the province appreciated the Second Republic’s numerous life-changing initiatives.
Public Service Commission Chairperson Dr Vincent Hungwe said the Second Republic remained committed to delivering on its vision of achieving an upper-middle-class economic status by 2030.
