Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday declared zero tolerance for the sabotage of strategic national investments, warning that individuals involved in vandalism, cable theft and corruption are enemies of Zimbabwe’s development agenda as the Second Republic intensifies its push towards energy security and industrial transformation.
Speaking during the commissioning of the New Glovers 10 Megawatt Solar Power Plant near Munyati Power Station in Kwekwe, President Mnangagwa said the country’s transition towards clean and sustainable energy was central to the attainment of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
President Mnangagwa said the Government would firmly protect strategic investments that are key to economic growth, industrialisation, job creation and improved livelihoods.
“Let me hasten to say that the Second Republic has zero tolerance for sabotage of strategic national investments. Anyone who steals cables, vandalises infrastructure, or demands bribes from investors is an enemy of development,” he said.
“Guard this project like you guard your own homes. Let us always remember that Zimbabwe belongs to all of us,” he said.
The New Glovers Solar Plant, which is already feeding electricity into the national grid, is producing 10MW.
The project marks the first phase of a broader expansion programme that will ultimately increase the plant’s capacity to 110MW.
The facility consists of 18 600 solar panels, 31 inverters, two smart transformers and a six-kilometre transmission line connected to the national grid.
President Mnangagwa described the project as a symbol of innovation, resilience and Zimbabwe’s determination to modernise its economy through sustainable energy solutions.
“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.
President Mnangagwa said renewable energy projects are critical in addressing climate-related energy challenges while supporting modernisation, industrialisation, increased agricultural productivity and rural industrial development.
He also officially laid the foundation stone for the second phase expansion of the project to 100MW, describing the development as another milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards energy sovereignty.
“It is also my distinct privilege to lay the foundation stone marking the commencement of the expansion of this project to a 100MW Solar Power Plant,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe has in recent years accelerated investment in renewable energy as part of efforts to diversify the national energy mix thereby reducing dependence on hydroelectricity and thermal power.
The Government has identified solar energy as one of the key pillars in achieving sustainable industrial growth and supporting economic sectors such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing.
President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic will continue implementing projects that narrow development gaps between rural and urban communities while creating opportunities for citizens across the country.
He challenged Zimbabweans to strengthen value addition and beneficiation across all sectors while embracing hard work and unity in national development.
The President said the successful implementation of the Munyati Solar project demonstrated the importance of collaboration between Government and the private sector.
In his remarks, Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo said Government remains committed to expanding electricity access to all corners of Zimbabwe.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said the project moves Zimbabwe closer to energy independence while Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube hailed the Second
Republic for spearheading transformative infrastructure projects in the province.
Public Service Commission chairperson Dr Vincent Hungwe said the project reflects a deliberate strategy to utilise pension capital for productive national infrastructure investments that deliver long-term value to both citizens and beneficiaries.
“This initiative reflects a deliberate and forward-looking strategy by the Public Service Commission, through the State Service Pension Fund, to invest in productive, future-oriented infrastructure,” he said.
“It demonstrates that pension capital, carefully stewarded, can be a powerful instrument for national development while delivering sustainable value to its beneficiaries.”
