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IDBZ shelves Gwayi, Plumtree solar projects

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HARARE – The Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) says it is shelving two solar power projects of a combined 45MW because of Zesa’s poor transmission infrastructure.

IDBZ will no longer pursue the 15MW Tjibundule solar project in Plumtree, Matabeleland South, whose estimate cost is US$23 million.

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The bank has also abandoned plans to set up the 30MW Gwayi Solar Project in Matabeleland North, which had been projected to cost US$45 million.

“The bank has noted that inadequate transmission and distribution infrastructure will negatively affect the scaling up of renewable energy projects across the country,” said IDBZ CEO Zondo Sakala.

“Grid impact assessments have shown that existing substation and transmission infrastructure will not be able to accommodate some of the Bank’s planned solar projects…hence the Bank’s decision to shelve them.”

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Some “alternative suitable sites for the implementation of the envisaged solar projects” are now being looked at, IDBZ said in its latest half-year financials.

While Zimbabwe is scaling up investment in generation capacity, there has not been equal investment in replacing aged transmission infrastructure.

This may further hurt new energy investment, already limited by the country’s currency and regulatory hurdles.

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According to a report in 2019, Zesa loses almost 20 percent of its power due to aged transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Solar projects are among IDBZ’s priority infrastructure investment areas. While the Plumtree and Gwayi projects have stalled, IDBZ is still invested in the 50MW Rufaro Farm solar project at Longlands Farm outside Marondera.

The bank is also investing in a 20MW plant in Gutu, as well as mini hydros on the Osborne and Odzani rivers.

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In July, IDBZ received accreditation to the Green Climate Fund, which helps in channelling investment in renewable energy.

The bank, like many other local and foreign investors, is facing frustrating red tape in its attempts to get projects off the ground.

“Completion of project preparatory work is also being delayed by the time needed to obtain the required regulatory approvals,” the bank said.

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The bank needs the equivalent of US$2.5 million to prepare and start developing the projects that it has targeted as priorities in 2021.

“In the outlook, the Bank is buoyed by positive economic prospects, macroeconomic stability, an increased focus on infrastructure investment by Government,” said IDBZ. – newZwire

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National

Cyclone Chido moves away from Zimbabwe

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

According to the latest updates from the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, approximately 35-40km south of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province.

The intense tropical cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds of up to 220km/h, causing widespread destruction in Mozambique. The system is expected to continue tracking west-southwest towards Malawi, steadily dissipating.

Zimbabwe, which was initially predicted to be in the cyclone’s path, has been spared the worst of the storm.

However, neighboring countries, including Malawi, are expected to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 72 hours.

The SHOC has issued a multi-hazard impact-based classification, warning of expected impacts, including strong gusts, heavy rainfall, and rough seas, in Mozambique, Malawi, and other parts of the region.

Member states have been urged to closely monitor official weather updates, intensify public awareness campaigns, and preposition relief supplies to enable a swift response to the cyclone’s impact.

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Senate passes death penalty abolition bill

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

The Zimbabwe Senate has passed the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, paving the way for the country to join the growing list of nations that have abolished capital punishment.

The bill, which has already been approved by the National Assembly, will now be sent to the President for assent and subsequent publication in the Gazette as an Act.

The country has 62 convicted prisoners facing the death penalty.

Veritas has congratulated the Senators, Members of the National Assembly, the President, and the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for their role in facilitating the bill’s passage through Parliament.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, defended the bill in the Senate, citing studies that show the death penalty has failed to deter crime.

He emphasized that the actual number of murders remained the same despite the death penalty’s existence, questioning its effectiveness as a deterrent.

Ziyambi also highlighted the bill’s potential to address the root causes of crime, which he believes the death penalty does not tackle. He pointed out the bias of the death penalty against poverty-stricken people, stating that history shows the majority of those executed are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Zimbabwe has been on a de facto moratorium on executions for about 17 years, with the last execution conducted in 2005.

 

 

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Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, government issues warning

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

A powerful tropical cyclone named Chido is moving menacingly towards Zimbabwe, prompting the government to issue a warning and advise residents to take necessary precautions.

According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Cyclone Chido has intensified into an intense tropical cyclone and is likely to affect Zimbabwe on December 17.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds to several provinces, including Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and West, Harare Metropolitan, and parts of Midlands and Mashonaland West.

The MSD has warned of heavy rainfall exceeding 70mm in 24 hours in some areas, which could lead to floods, rockfalls, and mudflows.

Residents have been advised to plan evacuation mechanisms, avoid open spaces, secure their homes from damaging winds, and stay informed through authentic updates from the MSD and the Department of Civil Protection (DCP).

The government has assured citizens that it is taking necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the cyclone. The DCP is on high alert, and emergency services are ready to respond to any situations that may arise.

As Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, residents are advised to remain calm but vigilant. The government’s warning and advisory come as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and minimize damage.

Stay tuned for further updates on Cyclone Chido and its impact on Zimbabwe.

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