Sabhuku Mliswa Presents Novel US$1.6M Solar Program

By Correspondent

Sabhuku Temba Mliswa on Saturday presented the model of a 5KVA solar project at Chief Banga’s homestead in Shurugwi.

He plans on rolling out the initiative to over 270 other Chiefs in the country as part of efforts to support local community projects.

The initiative, being done under the TPM Foundation, will cost over US$1.6 million to cover the whole country as part of an initiative to support the government’s drive to improve use of renewable energy.

Speaking at the event Mliswa said the project will be rolled out to all other parts of the country.

“This is only the beginning and we have started here but will eventually roll it out to all other Chiefs.

“Its important to begin any good thing with your father and then extend to others.

“We will go to other Chiefs like Chief Nhema, Chief Ndanga and so forth”, he said.

The solar program is expected to aid in the running of initiatives for local communities conducting green gardening and other community projects.

Responding to media questions Chief Banga hailed the project as a game changer for his community.

“We are very grateful for what this young man is doing for our community.

“Food security is vital for our community and this solar project will empower us to run projects whether in the rain season or out of it,” he added.

Pan African Parliament President Chief Fortune Charumbira extolled Mliswa for his ability to take action.

“Sabhuku Mliswa has remained a man of action even from his days in Hurungwe.

“He always seeks to make the change which he believes is needed in a place or situation.

“We thank him for coming up with this program and hope it will benefit our people in communities,” he said.

Delegates present included Pan African Parliament (PAC) President Chief Fortune Charumbira, Senator Chief Chikwaka, Chief Banga, Chief Nhema, Chief Ndanga, Chief Mapanzure, Tongogara RDC Chairperson Wilbert Rambanapasi, ZANU PF DCC officials and many others.

The event will be officially commissioned soon by the Minister of Local Government Daniel Garwe.

Zimbabwe’s National Renewable Energy Policy (NREP) aims to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix, with targets of 1,100MW (16.5% of total supply) by 2025 and 2,100MW (26.5% of total supply) by 2030.

This includes small hydropower stations, but excludes large hydropower plants exceeding 30MW.

The policy promotes investment through incentives, encourages utilities to purchase power from renewables, and prioritizes renewable generators.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has already launched the National Renewable Energy policy and Biofuels policy of Zimbabwe.

Both seek to promote optimal supply and utilisation of energy for socio-economic development.

Government is seeking to prioritise the exploitation of renewable energy and a guideline on its structure.