Story by John Nhandara
THE first phase in the construction of THE two thousand metric tonne-storage facilities for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Ruwa is now complete.
The National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC) has completed the construction of a 500-metric tonnes liquefied petroleum gas storage facility in Ruwa for US$10, 9 million.
This Wednesday, Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring and Implementation of Government Programmes and Projects Dr Joram Gumbo toured the facilities in Ruwa.
NOIC Chief Executive Officer Mr Wilfred Matukeni explained the scope of the project.
“The total scope of the project is we do 2 000 metric tonnes. We have divided the project into two phases, the first phase involves 650 metric tonnes with a full control system like a weighbridge and carousel for loading gas cylinders. The second phase is 1 350 metric tonnes to complete the project. We have finished the first phase and we are receiving the LP gas and we are now testing before commissioning,” said Mr Matukeni.
Dr Gumbo noted that the uptake of LP gas has increased, hence the government’s deliberate move to increase national storage space.
“Over the years the country has experienced an exponential increase in the demand for LP gas due to growth in our industry. In some instances, this led to shortages resulting from inadequate storage space,” said Dr Gumbo.
The facilities will also address issues of gas availability and accessibility while promoting the use of clean energy.
“I would like to commend the government efforts and NOIC for the commitment to developing the fuel infrastructure in the country. The LPG facility will address the issues of gas availability, affordability and accessibility.it is my hope that the nation at large embraces LPG as an alternative clean source of energy. The increase in national LPG storage facilities will provide buffer stocks and reduce the effects of stock outs experienced especially during winter,” said Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa.
Zimbabwe’s investment in strategic storage facilities for fuel has also witnessed the construction and commissioning of ethanol storage facilities in Mabvuku with a capacity to handle six million litres.
The LPG venture is another multi-million dollar construction project being carried out by Fossil Contracting. The company constructed the US$7.3 million ethanol storage and handling facility in Mabvuku which was recently commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
