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The Minister of Transport, Dr Obert Mpofu, cuts a ribbon to commission the refurbished Bulawayo Fuel Depot while (from left) Bulawayo Mayor Martin Moyo, Total MD Chris Okanmah and Total Southern Africa vice president Christian des Closieres look on

Oliver Kazunga Senior Business Reporter
THE country’s largest fuel dealer, Total Zimbabwe, has opened a $4,2 million refurbished depot in Bulawayo aimed at revamping business in the city in line with the modern global technology standards.
In March, Total Zimbabwe announced a $10 million investment package towards rebranding and refurbishment of its service stations across the country.

Officially opening the refurbished five million-litre depot on Friday, the guest of honour, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu commended the company for showing confidence in investing in Zimbabwe.
“I’ld like to congratulate Total Zimbabwe for such a high level and modern investment.

“I’m happy to hear that this newly refurbished depot serves in the following ways, a modern depot that meets global standards to serve the Zimbabwean public, increased throughput, upgrade of fire fighting systems and improved safety compliance,” he said.

Dr Mpofu said his ministry was cognisant of Total Zimbabwe’s commitment to the provision of reliable services premised on product safety in the petroleum sector.

He urged the fuel company to continue maintaining its culture of high standards on safety, health and environmental issues.
“Following your new retail outlet rebranding exercise, we’re pleased to witness that this investment is nationwide and you’ve prioritised the depots as well.

“Your enormous efforts to set the standards in the oil industry are a demonstration of your drive to meet the expectations of the Zimbabwean market,” he said.

Total Zimbabwe is one of Air Zimbabwe’s suppliers of Jet A1, said Dr Mpofu, adding that the national airline was still flying courtesy of the cordial relationship existing between the two companies.

“With these efforts, we’re envisioning dramatic growth in the aviation sector.
“We want airlines coming to Zimbabwe to be able to fuel without difficulties.

“Collectively, we’re compelled to create enabling and competitive business environment to meet the demand. This entails creating capacity to provide good services and competitive pricing for our fuel products,” he said.

The minister said the government was ready to engage with the private sector and appealed to Total Zimbabwe to make use of the National Railways of Zimbabwe in transporting fuel noting that the railway was an efficient and cost effective way of bulk transportation.

The fuel company’s vice president for Southern Africa, Christian des Closieres said the Bulawayo depot was the second such investment in depots after the Harare depot in Birmingham Road, which underwent similar refurbishment from between 2009 and 2010.

Similar depot refurbishments will be done on smaller depots like Chiredzi, he said.
Closieres said the opening of a depot in Bulawayo was in compliance with the group’s global programme for invariants that stipulates minimum requirements for safety and environmental protection.

“The new fuel pumps, meters and pipes will go a long way in improving the current system which was slow and outdated.
“The new impervious tank retention concrete bunds are also an addition.

“Operators will find it easier to work with the new truck loading gantry that has safety harnesses. Some of the add-ons are the new spill protection high level alarms, lighting for night operations and security, concreting of the depot driveway and the one directional flow of traffic in the depot.
“All these will make operations smoother and faster at the depot,” said Closieres.

He said his company would continue investing in Zimbabwe as an expression of their long-term commitment in the country.
“Even if we’ll be the only ones left, we continue to see a bright future for the industry and the country as a whole.

“We believe in the people of Zimbabwe whom we’ve walked a long journey with spanning over 50 years,” he said.