Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has been challenged to play an enabling role in achieving universal access to energy by 2030, as the country seeks to expand electricity supply, promote renewable energy and strengthen regulation across the sector.
Speaking during the ZERA pre-strategy review workshop in Harare today, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Dr Gloria Magombo, said the Government remained committed to ensuring that no one and no place was left behind in accessing energy.
Dr Magombo was represented by director Nyikadzino Chifema.
“The Government’s position is clear, universal access by 2030. The regulator is called upon to play its enabling role; let this ambition be attained,” she said.
Dr Magombo said reliable statistics, research and market intelligence were critical in developing sound policies and making informed regulatory decisions.
She said the energy sector needed credible information to guide planning and ensure that policy recommendations were supported by research and meaningful stakeholder consultations.
The permanent secretary said ZERA should continue enforcing safety standards, technical codes, licensing requirements and regulatory compliance across the energy value chain.
“The Ministry expects ZERA to continue upholding safety standards, technical codes, licensing requirements and regulatory compliance across the energy value chain,” she said.
“Regulation must be fair, consistent and, most importantly, transparent. It must protect the public and environment while providing legitimate investors with clarity and predictability.”
