Staff Reporter
Recent power cuts around the country have been attributed to rapid industrial growth under the Second Republic.
This was said by Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Holdings Executive Chairman, Dr Sydney Gata on the side lines of the company’s sporting festival in Munyati recently.
Dr Gata said the country was experiencing phenomenal growth both in infrastructural development and agricultural sector, hence the overwhelming need for electricity.
“What people need to understand is that as a nation, we have been experiencing phenomenal growth in infrastructure development as well as the field of agriculture. The appetite for growth has never been this big as the Second Republic is opening business opportunities,” said Dr Gata.
Dr Gata, however, pointed out that a raft of measures to cater for the rapid demand for electricity has been put in place by the power company.
“After realising this, we have said its time we do it on our own. As I speak to you, we are ready to commission the substations at Hwange Thermal Power Unit which will add some 600 megawatts to the national grid. We are also exploring some energy sources where a number of players are getting licensed and it’s a matter of time before the period of load shedding becomes water under the bridge,” he said.
He also bemoaned theft and vandalism of ZESA property by both thieves and the general public. He, however, pointed out that various measures were being set in place to make sure that vandalism is further reduced.
“The issue of vandalism is one such issue that has been a threat to national security. I might not get into detail on the action plan that we are using, but the culprits are facing the music. It’s a huge operation that involves a number of stakeholders and I must say everything is under control,” said Dr Gata.
Sound economic policies by the Second Republic have resulted in Zimbabwe’s industry growing at a fast pace. The engagement and re-engagement stance adopted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa has resulted in Mega investments such as the Manhize iron and steel plant which has an estimated price tag of US$1 billion. Through Presidential winter wheat scheme, the country has managed to achieve a record harvest of 380 000 MT.
In a recent Turkey-Zimbabwe business webinar, Turkish Government expressed their interest to invest in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector citing that the sector has more to offer as it has managed to grow even under the illegal sanctions.
