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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
More: ZBC News