Solar way to go

Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
GOVERNMENT will soon introduce commercial solar energy systems in an effort to meet the high demand of electricity, Energy and Power Development Minister Dzikamai Mavhaire has said. In an interview soon after touring Munyati Power Station in Kwekwe this week, Minister Mavhaire said the Government would soon introduce commercial solar energy in Zvishavane, Plumtree, Gwanda and Marondera.

“We are working on introducing commercial solar systems in five towns. This will help in reducing electricity demand. Much power is likely to be generated from these systems,” he said.

Minister Mavhaire said the national demand was at 2 000 megawatts while the country was generating slightly above 1 300 megawatts.
“Our national demand for electricity is 2 000 megawatts, but our local power stations are generating about 1 300 megawatts.

However, the country has the capacity to generate over 1 600 megawatts but due to obsolete equipment that these stations are using, the generating capacity has dropped. We need to embrace new technology of generating power,” he said.

Minister Mavhaire said power and energy were key in the revival of the industry as well as the economy at large. He also urged companies and individuals owing Zesa Holdings and its subsidiary companies to settle their debts to enable the power generating company to meet its obligation.

“We advise Zesa and its subsidiary companies to settle their debts while at the same time the companies owing Zesa and its subsidiary companies should also do the same,” he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Munyati Power Plant manager Mr Kenneth Maswera said Munyati was still owed US$439 million by its clients after writing off the debts.