Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa says investment in solar energy is critical to advancing Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda as Government intensifies efforts to diversify the country’s energy mix.
The President made the remarks while commissioning the first phase of the New Glovers Solar Power Plant in Chief Samabwa’s area in Kwekwe this Friday.
The project, which forms part of the Second Republic’s broader renewable energy strategy, is expected to generate 110 megawatts upon completion. The first commissioned phase will contribute 10 megawatts to the national grid.
Addressing thousands gathered for the commissioning ceremony, President Mnangagwa said the project demonstrates Government’s commitment to addressing energy challenges through sustainable and climate-resilient solutions.
“This initiative is 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 to modernisation, industrialisation, increased agriculture productivity, and the development of rural industry systems,” he said.
The President described the project as a milestone achievement under the Second Republic’s people-centred development agenda.
“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 Zimbabwe’s abundant sunshine presents vast opportunities for renewable energy development, particularly in the face of climate change and increasing energy demands.
“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,” he said.
He noted that reliable and affordable energy is essential for economic growth, industrial productivity, investment attraction and job creation.
The President also said the project reflects growing investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic reforms and investment climate.
“The establishment of this power generation facility represents immense investor confidence in ongoing economic reforms and our country’s future. The project is historic, being among the first implemented under the Government Project Support Agreement framework,” he said.
President Mnangagwa warned against vandalism and corruption, saying Government has zero tolerance for acts that undermine strategic national investments.
“Anyone who steals cables, vandalises infrastructure, or demands bribes from investors is an enemy of development. Protect this asset. A solar panel stolen today means a job lost tomorrow,” he said.
Government continues to implement several power generation projects to strengthen electricity supply, including the Hwange Units 7 and 8 expansion project, which added 600 megawatts to the national grid.
Refurbishment works on Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 1 to 6 are also underway and are expected to further improve electricity generation capacity once completed.
