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<p>Fortune Chasi, the outgoing Member of Parliament for Mazowe South and former Energy and Power Development Minister, has defended the Zimbabwean dancehall artist, Winky D, who has been having a run-in with the authorities over his political and socially conscious music.</p>
<p>It is alleged that the ZANU PF government banned Winky D’s music on state-owned radio stations and the public broadcaster, ZBC. </p>
<p>Chasi, who is known to be an admirer of Winky D’s music, said that those who don’t like the political connotations in Winky D’s music should simply not listen to it. Posting on Twitter, Chasi, a member of the ruling ZANU PF also added that musicians and writers should not be censored and that they should be allowed to create without interference. He further stated:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>I took the time to listen to his music, I like his music but I have never met him (Winky D).</em></p>
<p><em>I also love poetry and literature, so when people start making these criticisms, I take the time to listen and ask myself if there is a problem.</em></p>
<p><em>A musician is a product of their material condition, they sing about what they interact with, where they come from in the ghetto — their troubles and tribulations.</em></p>
<p><em>To be honest, I was surprised at what the whole hullabaloo is about.</em></p>
<p><em>I don’t think musicians and writers should be interfered with in their freedoms to create. ljipita (Winky D’s song) once stirred controversy but for me Egypt (ljipita) represents a desirable state of affairs, a promised land.</em></p>
<p><em>I think sometimes we blow things out of the correct way that they should be moving and I am glad the deputy minister (Tino Machakaire) spoke about it.</em></p>
<p><em>I love Winky D’s music and I don’t think he has done anything wrong and let us not hinder people from creativity, I have sung songs myself and I wouldn’t want someone to come and tell me how I should sing.</em></p>
<p><em>Let people write and sing what they want, it’s their constitutional right, musical taste is not universal, let people sample what they want and if you don’t like someone’s music don’t listen to them.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>In January, the Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation, Tinoda Machakaire, criticised Winky D following the release of his album, Eureka Eureka in December, <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/01/14/winky-ds-eureka-deputy-minister-makes-u-turn-says-let-us-not-fight-artists/">but later made a U-turn, urging Zimbabweans not to fight artists.</a></strong> The album was viewed by some individuals and groups as politically-charged.</p>
<p>Machakaire, who is ZANU PF’s secretary for youth affairs, called for a tone down of criticism against Winky D and urged Zimbabweans to respect artistes’ constitutional rights and opinions. Machakaire also highlighted the importance of finding solutions to the problems facing the country, rather than fighting each other. </p>
<p>One of the controversial songs on Winky D’s Eureka Eureka album is “Ibotso,” which portrays Zimbabwe as a society in decay, where corruption and poverty have devastated young people in ghetto communities. The song criticises those who choose to ignore these harsh realities, while Winky D exposes the ugly underbelly of a society that hides behind a facade of self-denial. The lyrics suggest that Zimbabweans are living in a prolonged nightmare, and that delusion and deceit are prevalent. Through “Ibotso,” Winky D highlights the plight of Zimbabwean youths and calls for action to address the country’s social and economic challenges.</p>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>


Pindula News

Former Energy Minister Chasi Defends Winky D's Music Against Authorities' Opposition

<p>The Member of Parliament for Mazowe South Fortune Chasi has <strong>not</strong> been reappointed as Energy and Power Development Minister.</p>
<p>The portfolio is still held by Muzarabani North legislator Zhemu Soda who took over from Chasi following his sacking by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in August 2020.</p>
<p>Chasi was recently reappointed Deputy Secretary for Legal Affairs in the ZANU PF Politburo and some of his followers on social media thought he had been reappointed Energy Minister.</p>
<p>Chasi, who is widely believed to have stabilised power utility ZESA when he was still Energy Minister, clarified the reappointment on Twitter. He said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>CORRECTION: I’m inundated with congratulatory messages on being REAPPOINTED ENERGY MINISTER. This is not true. I was reappointed Deputy Secretary for Legal Affairs in the ZANU-PF POLITBURO. <em>Handi ko Ku Magetsi</em> (I’m not the Minister of Energy). Hon Soda is still the Minister.</p>
<p>The correct position is that I was appointed to this position in 2017 or 18. We were dissolved and after recent internal elections, I have been appointed to the same position.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Mnangagwa fired Chasi on 14 August 2022 and replaced him with Soda. A statement issued by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda, announcing the changes, read:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>In terms of Section 104 (1) of the Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment (No. 20) Act of 2013, His Excellency the President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Hon Soda Zhemu Member of Parliament for Muzarabani North as Minister of Energy and Power Development in place of current Minister Honourable Fortune Chasi.</p>
<p>The latter has been relieved of his ministerial post as his conduct of business had become incompatible with the president’s expectations.</p>
<p>The appointment of Hon Zhemu and the removal of advocate Chasi is with remediate effect.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Chasi was reportedly fired for his efforts to level the playing field in the fuel sector, something which did not go down well with powerful fuel cartels that have captured the State.</p>
<p>A Ministry of Energy official who spoke to <em>The Zimbabwe Independent</em> <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/08/28/powerful-fuel-cartels-behind-chasis-sacking/"><span>said Chasi was fired partly because he wanted to break Sakunda’s monopolistic hold of the NOIC fuel pipeline</span></a>. The official was quoted as saying:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>You must understand that at NOIC, Chasi was trying to even out the playing field in the fuel sector by ensuring that Sakunda Holdings will not continue to enjoy the monopolistic utilisation of the pipeline while also trying to fully assert Noic’s control over the pipeline. Sadly, this unsettled the interests of powerful fuel cartels.</p>
<p>His plans to revive efforts to build a second fuel pipeline were also met with fierce resistance by the same powerful forces.</p>
<p>He was trying to do many things right at the same time. He could not have prevailed over the combined efforts by the ethanol blending and fuel cartels.</p>
</blockquote>


Chasi Has NOT Been Reappointed Minister Of Energy

<p><span><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obert_Masaraure"><strong>Obert Masaraure</strong></a> who leads the <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amalgamated_Rural_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ)</a></strong> has urged fellow citizens to demand service delivery from the government saying they can’t defer their lives to the 2023 ballot when they will elect a new government.</span></p>
<p><span>He specifically mentioned the power crisis in Zimbabwe saying the southern African country has the potential to be a net exporter of power adding that citizens have to push authorities for that to happen. </span></p>
<p><span>His remarks come after President Emmerson Mnangagwa Sunday stated that the <strong><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/the-power-crisis-makes-us-unattractive-to-investments-president-mnangagwa/">power crisis was making Zimbabwe unattractive to potential investors</a></strong> and that the government was working on finding solutions. </span></p>
<p><span>In a Twitter thread seen by Pindula News, Masaraure said:</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span><em>We can’t defer our lives to the 2023 ballot. The gvt of the day must deliver services now. The electricity crisis must be solved now! Ruling elites are swimming in 500 000, 350 000 &amp; 40 000 but they can’t import electricity? Fellow Citizens let’s unite &amp; demand services from our gvt. </em></span></p>
<p><span><em>Solutions to the electricity crisis are not very sophisticated, we have the potential to be net exporters of clean electricity. What we need is an active citizenry to hold duty-bearers accountable. If citizens unite and demand electricity this crisis will be a thing of the past.</em></span></p>
<p><span><em>The NDS1 set targets on power generation, giving alternatives to hydroelectric power in the context of climate change &amp; import substitution measures in face of erratic regional supplies. What has to be done is known &amp; well-documented. An active citizenry can force gvt to implement.</em></span></p>
<p><span><em>But we need a competent Energy Minister to lead the implementation of NDS1.<strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fortune_Chasi">@fortunechasi</a></strong> was way better than the Soda guy.</em></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><span>He rallied Zimbabweans to petition President Mnangagwa to fire Energy Minister <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Soda_Zhemu">Zhemu Soda</a></strong> and “<em>get us a competent Minister to implement NDS1</em>.”</span></p>
<p><span>He said, “Soda can also save himself the Shame and just resign.”</span></p>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/"><span>More Pindula News</span></a></h2>


Masaraure Urges Zimbabweans To Demand Services Now, Not To "Defer Lives To 2023 Ballot"

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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text txt-size-variable--18 margin-b--10 with-linebreaks padding-t--10" lang="en">Former Energy Minister Advocate <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fortune_Chasi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fortune Chasi</a> has said the power cuts the country experienced in the recent past demanded that responsible authorities be hands-on.</p>
<p lang="en">He posted on Twitter following a public outcry over power blackouts that had lasted for almost a week in some parts of Harare. He tweeted:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text txt-size-variable--18 margin-b--10 with-linebreaks padding-t--10" lang="en">It was heartening to see people call poor service delivery – especially against ZETDC. It reminded me of my erstwhile mandate &amp; how I used to descend to the ground to find solutions.</p>
<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text txt-size-variable--18 margin-b--10 with-linebreaks padding-t--10" lang="en">Do you remember how I was often ridiculed? How people would say “a whole minister bla bla”. Essentially saying I was doing menial work. A desperate situation demands one to be hands-on! That’s a key way of improving service delivery!</p>
</blockquote>
<p lang="en">During the period in question, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA)</a> issued statements suggesting that the power cuts were as a result of rains-triggered faults.</p>
<p lang="en">The power utility dismissed claims that the blackouts could have been caused by the inadequacy of power in the country saying Zimbabwe was generating enough power to meet the demand.</p>
<p lang="en">Meanwhile, electricity has been restored in some parts of the country while some are still without power.</p>
<p lang="en">Production in the country was low last year and might be low again this year if power issues continue unabetted.</p>
<p lang="en"><strong>More: <a href="https://twitter.com/fortunechasi/status/1350094663164841990" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fortune Chasi Twitter</a></strong></p>
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"It's Heartening," Ex-Energy Minister Chasi On Power Cuts

<p><strong>Former Energy Minister Advocate Fortune Chasi tonight takes on comedian Ray Vines in a boxing match at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). The boxing match is an initiative to raise money for charity while promoting physical fitness, health and well-being through boxing and entertainment. Chibabest has since entered the ring. Watch the video below.</strong></p>
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<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="640" id="video-191346-1" preload="metadata" width="360"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FCC.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FCC.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FCC.mp4</a></video></div>

WATCH: Ex-Minister Fortune 'Chibabest' Chasi In The Ring

<p>Former Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi is set to take on comedian Ray Vines in a boxing match at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).</p>
<p>The match, dubbed “Mukukuzvi versus Chibabest”, will be held on Boxing Day and will be streamed live on social media platforms.</p>
<p>The boxing match is an initiative to raise money for charity while promoting physical fitness, health and well-being through boxing and entertainment.</p>
<p>Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board of Zimbabwe executive officer Lawrence Zimbudzana expressed gratitude over Chasi and Ray Vines’s initiative. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>Let me express my gratitude to Hon Chasi and Ray Vines for coming up with this noble idea for fighting for charity.</p>
<p>I know for certain Hon Chasi is a man of many talents and could have chosen any other sport code, but he chose boxing which is quite humbling to us. They used boxing for a noble cause.</p></blockquote>
<p>On his part Chasi, who is Mazowe South MP, said he was ready for the match promised to help the sport across the country. Said Chasi:</p>
<blockquote><p>We appreciate much the help that we have received from the corporate world and the boxing council.</p>
<p>We realised after Budiriro that there is an urgent need to help people and the community.</p>
<p>Christmas is a time of giving, give us whatever you can to help the needy during this festive season.</p>
<p>To have at least one boxing ring in each province, ideally in each constituency.</p></blockquote>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/chasi-ray-vines-square-off/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">H-Metro</a></strong></h4>


Chasi, Ray Vines Boxing Match To Be Live Streamed

<p><strong>The former minister of Energy, Advocate Fortune Chasi was filmed training boxing. It is not known where and when the video was recorded. Watch the video below for more.</strong></p>
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<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="426" id="video-189038-1" preload="metadata" width="340"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FORTUNE-CHASI-BOXING.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FORTUNE-CHASI-BOXING.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FORTUNE-CHASI-BOXING.mp4</a></video></div>

WATCH: Ex-Energy Minister Chasi's Boxing Session

<p>A luxury vehicle that had been bought for suspended ZESA boss Sydney Gata has been delivered to ZESA, ZimMorning Post reports. The vehicle, a land-cruiser VXR, which costs between US$65 000 to US$100 000 had been purchased as per his contract. A source that spoke to the publication said:</p>
<blockquote><p>The process had commenced but we are not certain whether cabinet authority was availed because the then energy minister Fortune Chasi had not signed it. You will have to check with the new minister Zhemu Soda</p></blockquote>
<p>When the publication contacted Zhemu Soda, the new energy minister said:</p>
<blockquote><p>The daily operations of ZESA are run by the board. I have not yet been informed of that acquisition so you will have to ask those in procurement department at ZESA</p></blockquote>
<p>When the ZESA procurement official identified as Safure denied to comment on the issue and said:</p>
<blockquote><p>I cannot comment on the issue because it is against our protocols. We are not allowed to speak to the media. I am sure you know where to go if you want a comment</p></blockquote>
<p>The vehicle was reportedly delivered to ZESA on Friday and its not clear what will happen to the vehicle for now.</p>
<p>More: <strong><a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/zesa-procures-luxury-vehicle-for-suspended-gata/">ZimMorning Post</a></strong></p>


Luxury Vehicle Bought For Gata Delivered To ZESA After Gata's Suspension

<p>President Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid tribute to Fortune Chasi for the work that he did during his tenure as Energy Minister in guaranteeing electricity availability which helped winter wheat farmers produce good crops.</p>
<p>Ironically, Mnangagwa fired Chasi from the Energy portfolio for alleged conduct inconsistent with his expectations as president and replaced him with little known Soda Zhemu, the MP for Muzarabani North.</p>
<p>Addressing a gathering at a field day at Kunatsa Farm in Matepatepa, Bindura where a thriving wheat crop is ready for harvesting.</p>
<p>The farm visited by Mnangagwa last Friday is owned by Douglas Munatsi, the chief executive of the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA).</p>
<p>The farm is located in Mazowe South constituency where Chasi, who was present at the event, is the local National Assembly representative. Mnangagwa said:</p>
<blockquote><p>This time the situation has greatly improved because we had uninterrupted power supply because of the hard work by the young man Chasi who was the minister of Energy at the time and we are thankful about that.</p></blockquote>
<p>Some reports claim that Chasi was sacked for his efforts to level the playing field in the fuel sector, something which did not go down well with powerful fuel cartels that have captured the State.</p>
<p>Since Chasi’s sacking Zimbabweans have realised an increase in power cuts across the country which the power utility, ZESA, has attributed to technical faults at the Kariba and Hwange power stations.</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/fired-chasi-excelled-as-energy-minister-mnangagwa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></strong></h4>


Chasi Did An Awesome Job As Energy Minister - Mnangagwa

<p>The government has refuted claims that were made by exiled former cabinet minister Professor Jonathan Moyo that those senior government officials looted a US$1.2 billion loan received by the National Oil and Infrastructure Company (NOIC) from a foreign company, Sotic International.</p>
<p>Responding to Prof Moyo’s claims, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga on Saturday said no such loan agreement was ever signed. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>The information is false. The value of the pipeline is US$300 million. Sotic could only lend money that it would have raised from its bankers unless it had free cash flows.</p>
<p>Which bank would lend you US$1.2 billion against the security of an asset worth US$300 million? One of the critical tenets of lending is the purpose of the loan and the source of repayment.</p>
<p>An international lender would not conduct adequate due diligence and lend a country $1.2 billion which will then be fraudulently diverted.</p></blockquote>
<p>Prof Moyo claimed that NOIC was forced to mortgage the national oil pipeline to secure the $1.2 billion loan and that former Energy Minister Fortune Chasi was fired last week because of the deal.</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-gvt-rubbishes-chasi-dismissal-claims/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></strong></h4>


Govt Dismisses Jonathan Moyo Claims On 'Looted' US$1.2 Billion

<p>The President has fired the Energy Minister Fortune Chasi and replaced him with <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Soda_Zhemu">Soda Zhemu</a>. The matter came to light in a memo that was published by the government which reads in part:</p>
<blockquote><p>The President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Hon Soda Zhemu Member of Parliament for Muzarabani North as Minister of Energy and Power Development in place of current Minister Honourable Fortune Chasi. The latter has been relieved of his ministerial post as his conduct of business had become incompatible with the president’s expectations. The appointment of Hon Zhemu and the removal of advocate Chasi is with remediate effect.</p></blockquote>
<p>Chasi during his tenure as the minister rehired Sydney Gata who had been fired from ZESA close to a decade ago. Gata was then suspended on corruption charges 9 months after he was hired. A week after he was hired, the president fired the entire ZESA Board.</p>
<p>Chasi’s dismissal was further confirmed by the Infomation ministry’s secretary Nick Mangwana on Twitter.</p>
<p><img alt="" class="wp-image-177868 size-full aligncenter" decoding="async" height="679" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 526px) 100vw, 526px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Chasi-Fired.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Chasi-Fired.jpeg 526w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Chasi-Fired-232x300.jpeg 232w" width="526"/></p>
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JUST IN: ED Fires And Replaces Fortune Chasi

<p>Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi has refuted reports claiming that ZESA Holdings officials abused their offices by taking money from the parastatal for foreign travel allowances.</p>
<p>A leaked document shows that in 2019, the power utility company made donations to the ministry amounting to ZWL1 261 238.58 (US$60 709.54).</p>
<p>According to <em>Zim Morning Post</em>, most of the donations that were made in 2019 were international foreign travels made by Chasi and other top ministry officials.</p>
<p>But speaking during an interview with the online publication on Monday, Chasi insisted that there was nothing wrong about ZESA financing the ministry’s trips since they were all business-related and linked to the power utility. Said Chasi:</p>
<blockquote><p>All parastatals pay for the travelling of their line ministries and there is nothing wrong with that.</p>
<p>The trips which the officials make are sanctioned by my principal (President Emmerson Mnangagwa) and are purely business trips.</p></blockquote>
<p>The document was leaked after Chasi had suspended chief executive chairperson Sydney Gata to pave way for investigations after leaked documents suggested that he had misappropriated five company cars.</p>
<p>Gata had suspended the entire ZESA board which had been tasked by Chasi to investigate corruption allegations against levelled against him.</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/battle-to-control-zesa-turns-nasty-ministry-officials-foreign-travels-allowances-leaked/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zim Morning Post</a></strong></h4>


Leaks And Counter-leaks Of Documents Engulf ZESA Holdings

<p>ZESA Board Chairman Sydney Gata has been suspended once again, and was barred from entering the power utility company’s headquarters pending investigations, The Sunday Mail reports.</p>
<p>Gata’s suspension was announced by Energy Minister Fortune Chasi who said:</p>
<blockquote><p>Our initial stance as Government was to observe corporate governance and give the board an opportunity to deal with the matter. This entailed giving the board time to investigate the serious allegations against Dr Gata.</p>
<p>But alas! He (Dr Gata) decided to lock the board out of Zesa premises. He took the view that no board meetings would take place as a way to stall progress. He then proceeded to bar the board entry into Zesa premises and ordered security to lock them out,</p>
<p>He refused to accept the letter of suspension and instead proceeded to suspend the entire board as if he had the powers to do so. He doesn’t. It is very strange and unusual action suggesting that something was seriously wrong.</p>
<p>This will include barring Dr Gata from Zesa for a defined period to allow the investigations to happen. We want to be very procedural and need to.</p>
<p>We will continue to assume that he is innocent until proven guilty. He needs to make it easy for us, otherwise the irrational actions he is taking like firing fellow board members will cause everyone to think otherwise.</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/07/27/just-in-zesa-board-suspends-sydney-gata/">Gata was suspended last week</a> and he reportedly refused to accept the suspension letter and went on to fire the entire ZESA board and locking them out of the ZESA headquarters. He is facing corruption charges which include criminal abuse of office among other graft charges.</p>
<p>More: <strong><a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/zesa-chair-suspended-banned">Sunday Mail </a></strong></p>


Sydney Gata Suspended, Again

<p>Zimbabwe’s power utility, the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) was on Monday given a 5-day ultimatum to investigate corruption allegations levelled against its board chairperson Dr Sydney Gata.</p>
<p><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/07/27/energy-minister-says-corruption-scandals-at-zesa-involving-gata-need-thorough-investigations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gata is accused of a number of issues</a> including criminal abuse of office and conversion of the parastatal’s vehicles into personal use.</p>
<p>In a letter to the power utility, also copied to was copied to Deputy Minister Magna Mudyiwa, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, Secretary for Energy and Power Development Dr Gloria Magombo and Gata himself, Energy Minister advocate Fortune Chasi said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">You are therefore instructed to give this matter all the urgency it deserves to ensure that it is resolved within the shortest time possible to allow the board to concentrate on its key mandate, that is ensuring availability of power.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">In all the deliberations and investigations, the board should ensure that the executive chairperson is accorded all his legal rights. I expect feedback of the board’s initial action within five days of this correspondence and every similar period, thereafter.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Meanwhile the board yesterday suspended Gata to pave way for investigations. Gata was rehired last year after he had been dismissed over alleged corruption.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/5-day-ultimatum-for-gata-probe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></strong></p>


ZESA Given 5-Day Ultimatum To Investigate Corruption Allegations Against Gata

<p>A few short months after the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/11/20/energy-minister-hires-mugabes-brother-in-law-who-was-fired-from-zesa-in-2006/">Minister of Energy Fortune Chasi rehired Sydney Gata</a>, the ZESA board has suspended <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/07/25/zesa-boss-sucked-in-corruption-storm/">corruption accused CEO Sydney Gata</a> to pave way for investigations into allegations of corruption levelled against him.</p>
<p>This was revealed by ZimLive on Twitter in a tweet that reads:</p>
<blockquote><p>Breaking News: Zesa board suspends Chief executive chairperson Sydney Gata pending investigations.</p></blockquote>
<p>Gata was roped into a corruption storm rocking the power utility company last week and Energy Minister <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/07/27/energy-minister-says-corruption-scandals-at-zesa-involving-gata-need-thorough-investigations/">Fortune Chasi is on record saying the allegations will be thoroughly investigated.</a></p>
<p>Details of Gata’s suspension are still sketchy, we will update this article as new details emerge.</p>
<p>Source: <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/elias_mambo/status/1287749918589943820">Twitter </a></strong></p>


JUST IN: ZESA Board Suspends Sydney Gata

<p>Energy minister Advocate Fortune Chasi has said corruption allegations raised against Sydney Gata, the board chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) have to be thoroughly investigated.</p>
<p>Gata is accused of many things including the conversion of the power utility’s vehicles into personal use and making decisions which violate principles of corporate governance.</p>
<p>The minister speaks when Gata has since denied the allegations saying he was “not involved in those issues.” Chasi said:</p>
<blockquote><p>This case will be a good test case as to the spitefulness of the (Zesa) board. The government expects no less than adequate action that is in line with the seriousness of the matter in question. The board’s speed of action must reflect the urgency and seriousness of the matter.</p>
<p>Additionally, we expect that a proper investigation is carried out and that the outcomes of such investigation shall inform the requisite action by the board. The importance, actual or imagined, of an alleged perpetrator, is completely irrelevant to the inquiry and the corrective action to be taken in the circumstances.</p></blockquote>
<p>It is alleged that:</p>
<blockquote>
<ol>
<li>On 14 January 2020 Gata usurped powers of a disciplinary committee investigating Zesa acting group chief executive officer Norah Tsomondo and directed the committee to withdraw action against Tsomondo.</li>
<li>Gata personalised two Toyota Fortuner vehicles and three Mazda BT50s.</li>
<li>ZESA splashed over $10 million in December parties in Hwange and Kariba under his watch.</li>
<li>ZESA engaged Peter Mutsinya, Shumani Mhlanga, Muvengwa Zinyuku and Johatt Sithole who were flown to South Africa for a study tour at Eskom at Zesa’s cost, the four-day trip cost $107 913 (US$5 876).</li>
<li>There are questions over the creation of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Industry Trust (ZESIT), which is set to undertake ZESA projects.</li>
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<p>Gata was once the Zesa Holdings executive and left in 2006 amid several bad governance allegations.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/minister-chasi-calls-for-zesa-board-investigation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZBC News</a></strong></p>


Energy Minister Says Corruption Scandals At ZESA Involving Gata Need Thorough Investigations

<p class="p2"><span class="s2">The Minister of Energy, Advocate Fortune Chasi has said plans are underway to establish the National Integrated Energy Resource Plan, a sustainable energy policy that among other critical issues, will promote greater use of renewable sources including nuclear power.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2">Chasi made the remarks in Parliament on Wednesday where he revealed that Zimbabwe is getting assistance from</span> the World Bank and the African Development Bank to develop the policy. He said:</p>
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<p class="p3"><span class="s2">We are working on a National Integrated Energy Resource Plan. We had a false start with regards to this process and we are now working with development agencies like the World Bank and the African Development Bank who are helping us to come up with the policy.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">I am not able at this moment in time to precisely say when this work will be concluded but all of us who are involved in this matter understand the urgency of the matter and I am very hopeful that by year-end we will have our first draft.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">The announcement comes when Zimbabwe has an acute power crisis that has stifled anticipated and much-needed economic growth. </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">The country currently generates about half of its electricity from coal, a non-renewable resource, with a number of thermal projects lined up for implementation. </span></p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://miningzimbabwe.com/zim-to-promote-nuclear-power/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mining Zimbabwe</a></strong></p>


Zimbabwe Working To Promote Nuclear Power

<p>Energy Minister, Fortune Chasi has said although there was a laissez-faire approach to the Gwanda solar project by the government previously, the new administration has adopted a hands-on approach to see the project accomplished.</p>
<p><b></b>Laissez-faire is a French term that translates as “leave alone” which suggests that the less the government is involved in the economy, the better-off business will be.</p>
<p>Addressing members of the media during a post-cabinet briefing on Tuesday in the capital, Chasi said the availability of power in the country was essential for food security and growth of the economy. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>You made reference to the Intratek matter. I will be the first to admit that in the past, we have had a laissez-faire approach to project implementation, but that is history, it is long gone. Our approach now is to be very granular. From the first day that the investor wants to start a project, we would like to see the colour of their money so you will not just apply without reference to the availability of funds.</p>
<p>In terms of project execution, the Ministry is going to be directly interested in this process. For example, with regards to the Gwanda, incidentally, this was approved today by the cabinet and we are going full throttle we expect what we have been promised by the people at Intratek to be done very speedily. They promised the government that they will give us 10 megawatts within 6 months and our eyes are on their performance.</p></blockquote>
<p>The tender for the Gwanda solar project was won by Intratek fronted by Wicknell Chivayo in 2016 yet, to date, there is less on the ground to account for the resources poured into the project and the time that has passed since the awarding of the tender.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://twitter.com/ZBCNewsonline/status/1278011732158558210" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZBC News</a></strong></p>


"Our Eyes Are On Their Performance," Energy Minister On Chivayo's Gwanda Solar Project

<p>The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority, ZESA has reportedly started rolling out power cuts as the country has started to slowly reopen the economy.</p>
<p>The development has also been attributed to the winter-wheat farming which the power utility has given priority to ensure enhanced wheat production in the country.</p>
<p>The power utility had last implemented loadshedding before the coronavirus induced lockdown was imposed on the country in March.</p>
<p>There were reports of power cuts from a number of suburbs in Harare including Kuwadzana, Mbare, Warren Park on Friday.</p>
<p>There is however no official communication from the power utility to explain the recent power cuts.</p>
<p>Zimbabwe has a power crisis that has seen some parts of the country going for about 18 hours without power during the peak of the crisis.</p>
<p>The crisis is attributed to ageing equipment at Hwange Power Station and shrinking water levels at Kariba Dam, issues that have seen the country generating less than required power.</p>
<p>The crisis has also been blamed on corruption by government officials which has stalled the refurbishment of the country’s power stations and has also seen the Gwanda Solar Power Project by Intratek fronted by Wicknell Chivcayo failing to take off since 2015.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://zimpricecheck.com/news/loadshedding-is-back-zesa-starts-loadshedding-as-country-opens-up/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=loadshedding-is-back-zesa-starts-loadshedding-as-country-opens-up">Zim Price Check</a></strong></p>


Is Loadshedding Back?

<p>Energy Minister Advocate Fortune Chasi has said he will not fold his hands while the Zimbabwe Power Company continues to drag Intratek boss, Wicknell Chivhayo to court over the Gwanda Solar Project.</p>
<p>Chasi said ZPC has so far lost the case on numerous occasions thereby losing resources. He added that it would be prudent to leave Chivhayo and his company to implement the project which would assist the Gwanda community and the country at large. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>Zesa has been in contempt of court for several years and losing, as Minister, I will not allow such to happen because I need to see power being generated not just to see court reports.</p>
<p>The two parties have agreed to sit and map the way forward.</p></blockquote>
<p>The project is expected to produce 10MW within six months.</p>
<p>Intratek won the tender for the project in 2015 and there is nothing on the ground to show that the government paid the company an advance of US$5 million.</p>
<p>When Chasi was appointed the Minister of Energy last year, he vowed that he would make Chivhayo deliver or payback the money.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Intratek has appointed lawyer, Wilson Manase as executive Chairperson and Presidential Advisory Council chair Edward Manikai as a board member, a move some view as a strategy to intimidate critics.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://youtu.be/OklvLJR-Y1g">ZBC News</a></strong></p>


"I Will Not Allow ZPC To Continue Taking Chivhayo To Court" - Energy Minister

<p>Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi said that fuel prices will have to go up in order to address the “artificial shortages” of the commodity on the local market.</p>
<p>Minister Chasi on Friday told <em>Zimbabwe Television Network (ZTN)</em> that current prices are heavily subsidised and the necessary measures to correct the situation will be taken. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>In the past few weeks, fuel (prices) had gone down considerably and there was fuel dumping but we knew that it wasn’t long-lasting. We will take the necessary measures to correct the situation.</p></blockquote>
<p>Responding to <em>The Sunday Mail</em> on Saturday night, Minister Chasi said he was aware that some petroleum producers were arguing that fuel prices were supposed to correspond with the price of bread. Said Chasi:</p>
<blockquote><p>I have been away but these discussions have been going on. Some are equating it to the price of bread and so forth. But let me talk to Mazambani (Eddington, the acting ZERA chief executive) and get back to you.</p></blockquote>
<p>Zimbabwe’s fuel is considered the cheapest in Southern Africa, with petrol priced at $28,96 per litre while diesel costs $24,93 per litre.</p>
<p>Both prices are less than US$0.50 at black market rates.</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/govt-mulls-fuel-price-hike" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Sunday Mail</a></strong></h4>


Massive Fuel Price Hike Looms

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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text txt-size-variable--18 margin-b--10 with-linebreaks padding-t--10" lang="en">Energy Minister, Fortune Chasi has recently come under fire for suggesting that the criminal charges levelled against businessman and ex-convict, Wicknell Chivhayo be thrown away.</p>
<p lang="en">Chasi said it would be in the best interest of the country as that would allow Chivhayo to complete the Gwanda Solar Project whose tender he and his company, Itratek, won in 2015.</p>
<p lang="en">Prosecutors responded to his suggestion saying they were going ahead with the trial adding that Chasi should not interfere with the trial.</p>
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<p lang="en">We present below Chasi’s twitter thread in which he further explains why he wants the case thrown away.</p>
<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text txt-size-variable--18 margin-b--10 with-linebreaks padding-t--10" lang="en">My thanks go to all who have given their views on the Gwanda project. I have endeavored to express myself on this project. But I do think that I may not have adequately expressed myself. Let me clarify an issue which has attracted criticism.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">There are essentially 2 issues which must be separated &amp; dealt with that way. Mr Chivhayo faces criminal prosecution. Never have I even thought about that process. It’s of no consequence to the execution of the project.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">The other issue is a civil matter between the parties. Zesa has lost twice and there’s an appeal before the Supreme Court.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">In the criminal appeal recently the court ordered that Mr Chivhayo goes back for trial in respect of which he had been acquitted in the lower court.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">Simultaneously zesa had lodged an appeal in respect of aspects of the contract with Mr Chivhayo. That appeal is still pending. It was this appeal that has drawn my ire. It constitutes an albatross around the project. I was also concerned about the fact that.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">whilst employees got no increases, lawyers would always be paid. Legal issues &amp; fees together suggest the parties sit down &amp; talk. In doing so Chitapi J spoke on our behalf as Zimbabweans. Added to this the fact that ZESA IS INSOLVENT. Staff have not had salary reviews since 2012.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">Appoint has been that I have reposed trust in individuals to the detriment of institutions. The Judicary is a key institution. It ordered that the parties settle. It was exasperated. I am asking that that order be respected. From the day of the court order the parties never spoke</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">This is contemptuous of the court. I have pointed this out in very clear terms to zesa, where gvt is sole shareholder. Their attitude was too dilatory given the exigencies of power in the country.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">Subsequently, I called them to the table and told that the disrespect of the order was simply unacceptable. I need to “develop” power as minister of Energy &amp; Power Developmént.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">There has also been a very curious suggestion that I may be interfering with witnesses in the Chivhayo trial. This is preposterous. This is an acute case of overzealousness.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">However, for what it’s I can assure you that that is not the case. I’m focusing on the civil matter. As I said whilst zesa must protect the “national interest” thru the courts, it can not afford protracted LITIGATION.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">I used the word “litigation” in my letter. No reference whatsoever to the PROSECUTION of Mr Chivhayo. The dramatics personae (the players” in the PROSECUTION are the State and the accused. It’s not zesa and Intratek or Mr Chivhayo. Only the Prosecutor can stop. Not even zesa.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">Some, maybe out of genuine ignorance, or mischief, say I have directed that the PROSECUTION ends. No, I haven’t &amp; I can’t at all.</p>
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<p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks" lang="en">I must thank all of who have commented on this. In my view that is as it be. You help public officers like myself to account</p>
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<p lang="en"><strong>More: <a href="https://twitter.com/fortunechasi/status/1271656528219705344">Advocate Frotune Chasi</a></strong></p>
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FULL THREAD: Chasi Explains Why He Wants Chivhayo's Case Thrown Away

<p>The Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SACU) has said that it will pursue criminal charges against Intratrek Zimbabwe and its owner Wicknell Chivayo despite calls by the minister of Energy, Fortune Chasi to throw away the matter.</p>
<p>Chasi argued that the case must be collapsed to give Chivhayo the opportunity to complete the stalled Gwanda Solar Project.</p>
<p>However, SACU, a prosecution unit established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to prosecute complex corruption cases, this week said it had noted Chasi’s comments adding that any interference with witnesses would be dealt with in terms of the law. In a statement, SACU said:</p>
<blockquote><p>SACU is proceeding with prosecution of Mr Chivayo as has been directed by the Supreme Court. When the proceedings were stopped, one witness had already taken to the stand. A number of witnesses will now be called to testify in this case.</p></blockquote>
<p>Intratek won the US$183 million tender to build the 100 MW solar power plant in Gwanda in 2015 and was paid a US$5.6 million advance for pre-commencement works but construction did not start.</p>
<p>The state alleged that Chivayo spent the money on things that were unconnected to the project while some companies he said he had paid for works on the project did not exist.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2020/06/12/prosecutors-prepare-for-chivayo-trial-warn-chasi-over-witness-interference/">ZimLive</a></strong></p>


Prosecutors Warn Chasi Against Interfering With Chivhayo's Trial

<p>Energy Minister Fortune Chasi has directed the ZESA Holdings board to withdraw criminal charges against Wicknell Chivayo, whose company, Intratek, has failed to deliver on 100 MW solar power plant in Gwanda, Matabeleland South.</p>
<p>In a letter to ZESA chairman Sydney Gata on May 26, Chasi advised the power utility to abandon the fraud charges because the government “cannot afford the luxury of continued litigation” at the expense of expediting power generation.</p>
<p>Below is the full text of Chasi’s letter to Gata:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Dear Dr Gata</strong></p>
<p><strong>REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL, EXECUTION OF THE 100MW GWANDA SOLAR PROJECT.</strong></p>
<p>I refer to a meeting jointly held by ZESA Holdings and Intratrek Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited on Friday 22nd May 2020, in which I advised all parties in attendance of Government’s position with regards to the urgent need to implement the project.</p>
<p>I further draw your attention to a letter from your office delivered on even date of the meeting, whose contents I confirm to have duly noted.</p>
<p>In my communication of Government’s unequivocal position with regards to the Gwanda project, I sought to deliver the Ministry’s mandate to ensure the availability of sufficient power to the country by all means necessary.</p>
<p>It is now the prerogative of ZESA Holdings to ensure that the Government’s primary intention to address the energy demand is expediently and urgently given the attention it deserves.</p>
<p>In fulfilment of this mandate placed upon ZESA Holdings, there exists an obvious requirement that the necessary Board approvals be obtained in compliance with tenets of good corporate governance and all applicable statutes.</p>
<p>I wish to further reiterate that the Government’s position is fully informed by the following factors which have been approved at the highest level;</p>
<p>a) The Gwanda Solar project was and is still earmarked by Government as an economic enabler to the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) and successor policies adopted by government in 2018 and subsequently this year.</p>
<p>It forms part of the short to medium term solutions in resolving the energy deficit in the Country, thus spurring agriculture, mining and manufacturing activity which will increase the country’s export revenue.</p>
<p>b) Intratek assured Government that it can commence the project immediately as the funding is now available for this purpose.</p>
<p>Feeding 10MW into the national grid within the next 6 months will cause notable availability of power, thus significantly reducing the extent and cost of power imports, whose arrears in foreign currency are fully known by yourselves.  This will inevitably contribute to assisting Fiscus inflows and support macro-economic growth.</p>
<p>c) Government has further taken full consideration of the proposed financial and technical soundness presented by the EPC Contractor through the Strategic Review Document submitted to my office and finds merit in the same.</p>
<p>It goes without saying that the bridge-financing model proposed by the EPC Contractor’s transactional advisors is led by a team of renowned experts in the field of project financing and legal advisory with respect to the implementation of EPC Contracts in the region.</p>
<p>The same transaction advisors have also recently successfully commissioned a 5MW centagrid PV Solar Plant at Nyabira, which is now already augmenting power supplies from the country’s main power producers managed by ZESA Holdings. They have also reached financial closure for the remaining 20 MW which commissioning is<br/>
expected within the next 12 months.</p>
<p>d) It is common cause that African Transmission Corporation Holdings Limited, the prospective financier, has also been pivotal in assisting ZESA Holdings in the debt/equity structuring of the Hwange 7 &amp; 8 US$1,4 Billion expansion project and were very instrumental in working with KPMG on the financial modelling for the Kariba 7 &amp; 8 extension project, which was a resounding success.</p>
<p>Their competence being attestable, Government finds no reason not to find comfort in the same firm, led by Mr Victor Utedzi, whose impressive curriculum vitae I have had the occasion to peruse.</p>
<p>I am persuaded to believe that with such financial accolades, the quick syndication of a bankable financial model for the Gwanda solar project ought not to be problematic.</p>
<p>It is my Ministry’s logical opinion that at the revised price of US$139 Million, the debt/equity model will be less rigorous and thus ensure that financial closure would be reached expeditiously.</p>
<p>e) Government also took note of the involvement of high ranking professionals who now constitute the restructured EPC Contractor’s Board.</p>
<p>Of note, the Presidential Advisory Chairman – Mr Edwin Manikai – is leading the legal conscription of the proposed financial and technical variation of the project through Dube, Manikai &amp; Hwacha Legal Practitioners.</p>
<p>It goes without mention that the firm ranks amongst the top 3 in the country and recognised as an exceptional commercial law firm by the Global Chambers International since 2014.</p>
<p>The key role of DMH and Mr Manikai in particular in the new arrangement speaks volumes on the integrity, professionalism and experience placed into the project, with Government concurring that all previous loop-holes would subsequently be forestalled and plugged.</p>
<p>Principally, the appointment of Mr Wilson Manase as the new Executive Chairman of Intratrek Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited endows the project with high prospects of successful implementation.</p>
<p>Having chaired Metropolitan Bank for 16 years and being a Board member of a myriad of other successful and reputable private firms and government in Zimbabwe, Mr Manase is a practising lawyer and businessman of agreed prominence and as such, Government associates itself with the confident view that the project would be secured properly under his stewardship.</p>
<p>f) Government has also placed material consideration on the technical capacity of CHINT Electric Ltd, who have been contracted to execute the project.</p>
<p>CHINT’s financial and technical capacity has been duly assessed by ZPC and the due diligence report presented to me confirms the company to be fully knowledgeable in the field of both manufacturing PV modules and operating PV power stations.</p>
<p>The report further advises that is the second-largest solar power supplier in the world by a comprehensive performance rate awarded by PHOTON and a reputable blue-chip company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange with average annual sales revenue in excess of US$12 Billion, I find no objection to the company implementing the project.</p>
<p>Needless to state, however, Government will require that all the performance guarantees for the equipment installed be obtained and the interests of ZESA Holdings/ZPC as the end-user of the project be protected to the fullest extent possible.</p>
<p>In conclusion, I reiterate Government’s position, as similarly restated in High Court judgment HC 8159/18 by Chitapi JA in the two cases which ZPC lost where he said “With the current Government’s thrust that there be accelerated development to ensure the attainment of a middle-income status for the country by 2030, it is hoped that key projects like the one involved in this case are not stalled by unnecessary bickering and extra-contractual frustrations,” and<br/>
“Parties should desist from merry-dancing in the Courts and fighting in Boardrooms instead of implementing this project of national importance at the site..”. These points cannot be emphasized enough.</p>
<p>Indeed His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe has launched “Vision 2030”, which demands Government implement policies and projects which will usher Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-class economy by 2030.</p>
<p>I urge you to support this vision, by all means, necessary, for the greater good of the Country. This project is inarguably a low-hanging fruit from which Government is poised to realise its success in no time.</p>
<p>It is against the changed circumstances, the foregoing background and context that I strongly recommend your Board to consider the urgent implementation of the following measures as directed by Government;</p>
<p>a) Expedite the negotiation, drafting and signing of an amended and restated EPC Contract in order to provide for and give full effect to the financial and technical proposal by the EPC Contractor;</p>
<p>b) Expedite the negotiation, drafting and signing of all subsequent agreements which will give effect to the project financing and technical implementation.</p>
<p>These include, but are not limited to the conclusion of the Power Purchase Agreement, tariff currency modalities, Implementation Agreement, Security of Payment Agreement amongst other Agreements which may be required by the financier and relevant regulators.</p>
<p>c) In making the foregoing sentiments I must draw the attention of the Board to the fact that the contract <em>in casu</em> was signed sometime in 2015.</p>
<p>Since that time nothing has been achieved except endless and pointless litigation with an appeal currently pending. It is not known when this appeal will be determined whilst on the other hand it is self-evident that the country is reeling under a serious power crisis that has already wreaked havoc to the economy and the generality of the populace.</p>
<p>d) Additionally, it is apposite to point out that this matter is of immense public interest given the power situation in the country and the history of the project.</p>
<p>It is the government’s intention to deal with both matters through the speedy implementation of the project</p>
<p>e) I make mention of the Board’s resolution on the future of the project. The resolution suggests that the consequences of the Court’s decision are irrelevant. This cannot be right. No advice or information is supplied as to the consequences of losing this appeal.</p>
<p>All in all, I consider the foregoing as having placed Government’s position in unambiguous clarity. Megawatts will ultimately be made at the project and not in courts.</p>
<p>The High Court has made this point and expressed exasperation with the endless litigation. Government, given the current power situation, cannot afford the luxury of continued litigation anymore and has been forced to take a pragmatic approach to the production of power.</p>
<p>I understand that a meeting to discuss this matter is slated for tomorrow. Please kindly advise me as to the outcome of the meeting as soon as possible thereafter.</p>
<p>Please be guided accordingly.</p></blockquote>


Chasi's Letter Directing ZESA To Drop Fraud Charges Against Chivayo {Full Tex}

<p>The Energy Minister Advocate Fortune Chasi has instructed ZPC to resolve its dispute with Wicknell Chivhayo’s company Intratrek to allow the project to proceed because according to The Herald <em>the country needs adequate power. </em></p>
<p>The Minister reportedly wrote to ZPC and ZESA and instructed the management to obtain necessary board approvals to ensure the project proceeds since litigation had been stopped on the case.</p>
<p>Chasi reportedly wrote to ZESA management and said:</p>
<blockquote><p>Power is generated at power stations, not in the courts of law, ZPC and Intratrek have been in the courts since time immemorial, my principal concern and mandate is to generate power for the people of Zimbabwe.</p>
<p>Since my appointment last year, I have given the parties the latitude to resolve the matter, and the courts, Justice Chitapi in particular, ordered the parties to meet and discuss implementation of the project, but up until last week the parties had not met.</p>
<p>Seeing that the parties were dilatory in their approach to this matter I felt that it would be extremely irresponsible on my part as Minister of energy to continue to have the matter held in abeyance in the same vein Government is grappling with power shortages, and importing very expensive power,</p></blockquote>
<p>The Minister also reportedly said Intratrek has assured the government that it is working with reputable partners that have delivered in similar projects of such magnitude.</p>
<p>This was probably before the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/06/09/supreme-court-reverses-wicknell-chivayos-fraud-acquittal/">Supreme Court reversed Intratrek MD Wicknell Chivhayo’s</a> acquittal and allowed the NPA to proceed with their case against the businessman.</p>
<p>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-seeks-end-to-zesa-intratrek-feud/"><strong>The Herald</strong> </a></p>


Chasi Directs ZESA To Quickly Resolve Its Dispute With Intratrek To Allow The Project To Proceed

<p>Elongated queues for fuel are resurfacing around Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. The queues had disappeared in the first weeks of the COVID-19-induced lockdown, partly because the local industry had closed hence less consumption of fuel in the country.</p>
<p>Zimbabwe is, however, slowly, easing lockdown regulations and some sectors of the economy have been allowed to resume operations which means companies and individuals need more fuel.</p>
<p>The fuel crisis in the country deepened since twenty-four months ago triggering an economic plunge, the worst in the past decade.</p>
<p>Fuel shortages affect all sectors of the economy including agriculture, health, and industry and commerce. The shortages are largely attributed to the scarcity of foreign currency in the country.</p>
<p>There have also been reports that dealers who get foreign currency from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to import fuel are misusing the facility.</p>
<p>Some blame the President Mnangagwa-led government for mismanaging the economy saying the fuel crisis was never this bad during the reign of the late former President Robert Mugabe.</p>
<p><img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="594" data-maxwidth="844" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EY2QFm8XQAETDBW?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/></p>
<p><em><strong>Photo By: <a href="https://twitter.com/alistarchibanda/status/1264825537647779840">Alistar Chibanda</a></strong></em></p>


PICTURE: Fuel Queues Resurface In Harare

<p>There has been a constant supply of electricity to most households across the country since the start of the coronavirus-induced lockdown in late March and the power situation will likely continue, a senior government official has revealed.</p>
<p>The relaxation of the lockdown restrictions over a week ago allowing the partial reopening of industries that usually consume much electricity over a week ago has not affected electricity supplies to residential areas.</p>
<p>Energy and Power Development Deputy Minister Magna Mudyiwa on Wednesday said that there are several factors that will determine the availability of adequate electricity in the coming weeks. She said:</p>
<blockquote><p>The availability of excess supply in the region, the potential to increase power from Kariba and the return of other units from Hwange will determine the ability of electricity to meet the increase in demand.</p></blockquote>
<p>Zesa Holdings recently approved an automatic hike of 19,02 per cent for all tariffs calculated from a formula that ensures the continuation of imports and operation of its stations.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Minister for Energy and Power Development Fortune Chasi on Saturday warned domestic consumers and companies that are stealing electricity from the national grid, that it was such kind of behaviour which plunged the country into darkness in 2019. He tweeted:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Ndozvaka endesa magetsi zvamakuiita izvozvi izvi</em>. (What you are doing now is was caused severe load shedding).</p></blockquote>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/constant-power-supply-to-continue/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></strong></h4>


'Constant Electricity Supply Likely To Continue'

<p>Zesa Holdings has abandoned its US$100 million Mutare Peaking Power Station project amid concerns of high costs of running the facility.</p>
<p>The project which ZESSA was implementing in collaboration with Helcraw was expected to be completed in 2022 with the capacity of generating 120 megawatts.</p>
<p>ZESA had already secured funding from a regional bank for the project. The power utility is said to have already applied for permission to redirect the loan towards other capital projects including strengthening the electricity distribution network and acquisition of new vehicles.</p>
<p>The Sunday Mail was told by sources privy to the development that authorities felt that it was illogical to proceed with the project when the country is experiencing foreign currency shortages. The source said:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Mutare peaking plant was to be fired using diesel although a similar plant in Dema was mothballed about two years ago due to the unsustainable costs of fuel.</strong></p>
<p><strong>So after reviewing the project, a decision was subsequently made that the Mutare project should be abandoned, too.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>Peaking power stations also known as peakers <span class="st">operate during peak periods or when the system is under duress, which is when demand is higher than what is usually required.</span></p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/zesa-dumps-costly-diesel-power-plant">The Sunday Mail</a></strong></p>


ZESA Holdings Abandons Its US$100 Million Mutare Peaking Power Station Project

<p>Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy, Advocate Fortune Chasi has said that the recent hike in fuel prices is partly as a result of the location of Zimbabwe.</p>
<p>He admitted that the prices of crude oil had gone down worldwide adding that there are additional processes which are undertaken to come up with refined fuel which result in increased costs.</p>
<p>Chasi speaks when other countries are reducing the prices of fuel partly because of the reduction of crude oil prices. Posting on Twitter, he said:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Please take note that the price that has gone down is for crude. Crude means it’s unrefined. There are additional costs attendant on refining…</strong></p>
<p><strong>…costs also depend on location. It is therefore not correct to simply conclude that because fuel prices have gone down elsewhere they should everywhere or to the same degree.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>Some social media users also suggested that the foreign currency exchange rates might have contributed to the increase. They observed that the depreciation of the local currency means more Zimbabwe dollars are needed to get foreign currency for the importation of fuel.</p>
<p>Zimbabwe has an acute shortage of fuel and the shortage has affected operations of many if not all sectors in the country.</p>
<p><strong>More: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/fortunechasi/status/1246678987319005185"><strong>Fortune Chasi</strong></a></p>


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