We Want To Become Fuel Distribution Hub For Other Countries - Energy Minister

Minister of Energy and Power Development Joram Gumbo has said that his ministry is working on plans to make Zimbabwe the fuel distribution hub to other countries. The minister also said that his ministry will also look at promoting the use of renewable sources of energy. In an interview with the Daily News, Gumbo said,

We must encourage that the new buildings being constructed must, as much as possible, use solar energy as is the case in countries such as Israel where you can only build if you are going to use solar power. We are looking at things like that. We must also look at fuel. I am looking at Zimbabwe becoming the hub of the distribution of fuel to other countries. I am looking at a second pipeline from Beira and bigger storage tanks so that all other countries in the region must come and collect fuel from here. That is the broader vision of the ministry.

There is also the issue of Batoka which is a very important project which requires about $6 billion. We are also resuscitating the Hwange Power Station through the Hwange seven and eight. There are also other old stations in Bulawayo, Munyati and Harare which need urgent attention because they are now antiquated.

We want to make life easier for the people by pegging reasonable tariffs. Our farmers, for example, are failing to operate optimally because the electricity charges are too high. We must look at places like Mutirikwi and the Eastern Highlands where we can get hydropower. The finer details of the operations to achieve that will be availed in due course.

More: Daily News