by Nobleman Runyanga

China is confident that Zimbabwe will hold free and fair elections next month.

This was said by the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Huang Ping yesterday in Hwange during the ground breaking ceremony to mark the commencement of the construction of the Hwange Thermal Power Station extension, which was officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. 

“As a brother, China is confident that Zimbabwe is capable of conducting free, fair and credible elections this year,” said Mr Ping.

“The year 2018 is a historic year for Zimbabwe as the country goes to the polls,” he said.

Mr Ping expressed hope for the improvement and deepening of relations between the decades-old friendly countries.

“We are very delighted with President Mnangagwa’s historic visit to China in April this year. Going forward, we anticipate the enhancing of relations between Zimbabwe and China,” Mr Ping said.

He condemned the attempted assassination of President Mnangagwa and other senior party officials after a campaign rally at the White City Stadium in Bulawayo last weekend.

“China stands in solidarity with Zimbabwe during this difficult time,” he said.

The ambassador praised President Mnangagwa’s response to the assassination attempt which he said indicated his commitment to peace.

Mr Ping explained that the project was one of the biggest single power projects to be implemented in Africa.

The US$1 billion Hwange Power Station Phase 7 and 8 extension project is set to add 600 megawatts (MW) to the station’s current output of 920MW. The project, which is being funded through a loan from the China Export and Import Bank, is expected to create hundreds of jobs.