National

IDBZ shelves Gwayi, Plumtree solar projects

Published

4 years ago

September 1, 2021

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

2 months ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

4 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.