Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has stepped up efforts to ensure energy sufficiency, with two major projects capable of contributing a combined 335 megawatts of electricity now at an advanced stage of completion in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces, respectively.
The development of a major new power station buttresses the aspirations under Vision 2030 and amplifies the recently launched Energy Efficiency Policy.
The developments were highlighted on Tuesday by Information, Communication and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda while briefing the media on the End-of-Cycle Report on the Implementation of Priority Projects for the First 100-Day Cycle of 2026.
“Success stories include the construction of the 235-megawatt Thermal Power Plant in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province, and the construction of the 100-megawatt Massive Prestige Thermal Power Plant in Beitbridge, Matabeleland South Province,” he said.
“Cabinet noted with satisfaction the assessment of projects implemented under the Rapid Results 100-Day Cycle Initiative for the period 9 February 9 to May 19, 2026.
“The implementation framework serves as a strategic instrument for strengthening performance, accountability and timely delivery of high-impact programmes and projects across Government.”
The National Energy Efficiency Policy is grounded in principles of development, sustainability, affordability, accessibility, social inclusion, gender equity and employment creation.
It promotes strategies that address the energy needs of women, youths and other vulnerable groups, while strengthening their participation in energy efficiency initiatives.
The policy outlines plans to boost energy efficiency in the industrial sector through the creation of an Industrial Energy Efficiency Programme, implemented in collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
Minister Soda said Government had implemented a total of 242 projects during the cycle, with 143 already completed, while the remainder were nearing completion.
“Guided by the mantra ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’, a total of 242 projects were implemented, out of which 143 were completed, while the remaining projects are nearing completion,” said Minister Soda.
The two projects are expected to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s electricity generation capacity and support growing demand from households, industry and mining.
The projects complement broader Government efforts aimed at diversifying the country’s energy mix through thermal, hydro and renewable energy investments.
Minister Soda said the completed projects spanned the Infrastructural Development and Housing, as well as Inclusive Economic Growth and Structural Transformation thematic areas.
“It is noteworthy that out of the 242 projects, a total of 19 projects emanated from His Excellency President Dr Mnangagwa’s clarion call for the development of previously less-developed communities,” he said.
The projects were implemented in Binga, Kanyemba, Siakobvu, Tsholotsho and Nkayi districts.
Other notable achievements highlighted by Cabinet include the construction of the Binga Registry Complex in Matabeleland North Province, installation of X-ray machines in Harare Metropolitan, Manicaland and Midlands provinces, funding of 30 micro, small and medium enterprises in Norton, and expansion of Grain Marketing Board silo facilities in Mhangura.
Government also established ICT laboratories in schools nationwide, advanced the construction of Maphisa Stadium in Matobo District and implemented the Rangemore Presidential Housing Scheme in Matabeleland North Province.
In the mining sector, the establishment of the Prospect Lithium Sulphate Plant in Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East Province, was identified as another major milestone achieved during the cycle.
The Rapid Results 100-Day Cycle Initiative continues to serve as a key implementation mechanism for accelerating development, improving accountability and ensuring the timely delivery of priority projects as Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030.
