mbulelo smpofu
Leonard Ncube, leonard.ncube@chronicle.co.zw
GROWING investments in coal-to-energy projects in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, have brought joy to locals who are the immediate beneficiaries of job opportunities and associated social development infrastructure.
Under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, Hwange has become the hub of massive energy projects in the country with the latest being the US$1 billion Titan New Energy thermal power plant, which will produce 720MW.
President Mnangagwa led the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Monday, adding impetus to the several power generation projects in the province and the country at large.
The latest project, implemented in partnership with the power utility, Zesa, is set to be completed in December 2028 and will be a game changer in terms of access and availability of electricity, as well as wider economic impact.
The coal mining town of Hwange has become the nerve centre of Zimbabwe’s energy production with a dozen coal mining, processing, and energy-generating companies working on different high-impact projects.
Titan Energy has become the latest investor in Hwange with a massive US$1 billion into the 720MW Phase 1 and an additional 200MW solar plant to be constructed in Gweru in Phase 2, bringing hope to local communities whose livelihoods are hinged around coal mining.
The project, whose actual construction is expected to start immediately, will use coal from the various extracting companies, which will be value-added to electricity. This is a huge milestone development that amplifies Vision 2030 aspirations and speaks to the recently launched Energy Efficiency Policy.
Locals in Hwange have expressed excitement over the new investments as they mean more jobs. While Titan has not indicated how many job opportunities will be created, hopes are high that thousands will be employed at all stages until commissioning.
Locals will also benefit from skills transfer while the project developer has also promised to build schools once the project is commissioned as part of corporate social responsibility.
People from all walks of life from Hwange District and Matabeleland North Province attended the groundbreaking ceremony, with all five Hwange Chiefs attending namely Whange, Nekatambe, Nelukoba, Acting Chief Mvuthu, and Acting Chief Shana, as well as Acting Chief Mabhikwa from Lupane.
“I work as a freelancer in tourism and I came here to witness the groundbreaking for this project so that we get to know how we will get jobs,” Mrs Pisani Chezha from Victoria Falls said.
“So, we honoured the invitation to come to this Titan company event because it shows us that there is hope for jobs. We are grateful as Zimbabwean youth for this development so all we expect is to get jobs on this project and others in Hwange.
“We look forward to the growth and development of our area hence we hope our leaders will also support us with access to tenders and other benefits.”
Mr Richard Ngwenya from Cross Dete paid tribute to President Mnangagwa for walking the talk and fulfilling his promises, especially on job creation.
“We came to witness the start of this project, which will create many jobs for our youths. We thank President Mnangagwa for everything that he has done for us hence we will always want to listen to him speak about opportunities for us as communities,” he said.
Ms Fidelia Ncube from Chabasichana Village said she hoped to see women being employed at the plant.
“We are excited about this project, which will give us electricity and also help us with jobs. We expect women to also be considered when they start employing people,” she said.
Zimbabwe has become an investment destination of choice riding on the improved ease of doing business and conducive environment created by the Second Republic.
In his address, President Mnangagwa, said adequate electricity generation was the lifeblood of industrialisation and is critical for mining, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, among others, driving Zimbabwe towards energy self-sufficiency.
He invited investors to explore the numerous prospects, that exist for both in-country and cross-border energy projects in SADC, saying they should take advantage of the natural endowments.
The President reiterated the need for host communities in as where projects are implemented to benefit more from these investment projects through the creation of jobs, stimulation of economic activities, and facilitation of skills transfer and development.
He challenged investors to fully embrace all Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in their projects, ensuring a holistic approach to development.
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo said the province is the biggest beneficiary of the Second Republic’s development agenda.
“Together we are laying a foundation for a brighter future, one that embraces innovation, inclusively, and sustainable development,” he said.
“Today we celebrate a transformative vision that will energise our communities and empower our industries.”
