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Hand in hand with VP Chiwenga, the President continues to greet the crowd and moves off the stage marking the end of the official proceedings.

He makes a brief stop in front of the Police Band which gives him a salute with a piece of music.

After his speech President and delegation go for a photoshoot before he goes around greeting the crowd which erupts into whistling and ululation.

This marks another milestone in our country’s journey towards modernisation, Industrialisation and economic development. Electricity is the life blood of Industrialisation and is critical to mining, Agric and manufacturing among other sectors of the economy.

The support for this sector is part of my government effort for increasing capacity through construction of new power plants.

This reaffirms Zimbabwe’s commitment to leapfrog develop and achieve energy efficiency.

Through mutually beneficial private sector cooperation the quest to realise a diversified energy mix is coming to fruition.

The exponential growth of our industry, modernisation and improved live of our people manifests in part through increased energy demand.

At Sadc level, the importance of energy in the integration agenda cannot be overemphasised because energy access and availability are one of the key enablers.

This massive sector fully harnesses the potential of regional energy towards achieving needs of energy services.

Construction of more interconnected infrastructure in the region, investors are rewire invited to explore the numerous prospects which exist both in country and across the border.

The sector is assured of gvt support to build a more resilient energy sector that enables green Industrialisation
Investments we are witnessing in the energy sector are testament of progress we have made in the second Republic.

1:53PM

The Titan Thermal Power Plant being embarked upon will see the massive generation to 720MW while Afrochine will contribute 100MW through solar in Selous and another 200MW solar in Gweru. These projects are expected to be completed in December 2028, this is the working culture of the Second Republic
Going forward, I urge stakeholders in the power sector to ensure that our nation is not only energy sufficient but also energy efficient and supporting of our environment.

Communities of Hwange, Chivu and Selous will benefit through jobs, skills transfer in those respective areas
New players should enter into the sector without hindrance, well done comrades.

Our country is endowed with a plethora of resources, I therefore call upon Investors to take advantage of these opportunities.

It is disheartening to note that the energy continues to face challenges from vandalism and theft. I urge you all to ensure that our investors are protected from such disturbances from members of our society who don’t support development, please work closely with law enforcement agencies to protect this infrastructure
We must not tolerate vandalism, let’s arrest those doing it.

In conclusion I urge investors to move decisively and with speed taking advantage of the investment environment, Zimbabwe is a destination of choice. All Stakeholders should continue working diligently for the good of our nation, there is still much more for us to do brick upon brick, stone by stone.

He ends his speech

1:35PM

VP Chiwenga says the occasion is momentous as it sets the stage for an energy self-reliant Zimbabwe
The gathering is testimony to the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa.

Under the Second Republic the guest of honour has championed policies that propel the economy forward with his commitment to equitable development.

This groundbreaking ceremony is evident for his foresight and dedication that every Zimbabwean has access to energy.

Energy plays a significant role in driving our economy and improving lives of our people.

VP Chiwenga invites President Mnangagwa to address the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony

Minister Moyo invites VP Chiwenga make remarks.

The current challeng9ng state of power, comprehensive measures are being taken to address the situation, we were affected by climate change and ministry is working on climate change hybridisation measures
Zesa needs to be capacitated if it is to deliver and paying of bills is key.

I thank Zesa for Resilience and ensuring everyone has access to reliable electricity

Energy and Power Development Permanent Secretary Dr Gloria Magombo invites Minister of Energy Edgar Moyo to give remarks and introduce VP Chiwenga. Hwange is growing to be am energy hub.

Successful implementation of the energy sector must be led by the private sector made possible by visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa.

The energy sector is now working as a team towards our aspirations of turning Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income society.

12:41PM

Zesa Holdings Executive Chairman Dr Sydney Gata takes to the podium and starts by saying he tired of being insulted for energy crisis but today marks the end of the blackout era.

The project is one of 18 lined up to give over 4 000 MW. We are only short of 600MW and in two years time we will have surplus. The project moves with total electrification of Zimbabwe.

To roll out off grid solar project starting next year in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind.

Mr Zhong Jin Heli from China and representing project developers says a total of US$1 billion has been invested into the project which will be completed at the end of 2028.

Our goal is to make this project a flagship in Africa by developing reliable power. Upon completion of the project, we will work actively to improve education of children

12:25PM

Minister Moyo starts by saying in Matabeleland North things are happening. Many projects have been started and completed.

Today marks a significant milestone not only to Hwange but Zimbabwe at large.

“We are honoured as a province to have representatives from Government in various sectors. Together we are laying the foundation for a brighter future, one that show direction for a greater future. Today is a launch of a transformative vision that will energise our community.”

12:10PM

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo rises to give welcome remarks.

Chiefs that are part of the programme are Wange in whose area the project lies, Nekatambe, Nelukoba, acting Chief Mvuthu and Acting Chief Shana, all from Hwange, as well as Acting Chief Mabhikwa from Lupane.

Traditional leaders from Hwange are also part of the crowd

Upon reaching the VIP tent, President Mnangagwa performs his trademark dance as the crowd joins.

He moves to the plaque to unveil it. Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo reads out the inscription on the plaque before the delegation moves to the podium for start of proceedings

With a pick, the President digs thrice before taking a shovel to scoop off the soil to mark the groundbreaking

Briefing has ended and President Mnangagwa, accompanied by Vice President General (Retired) Constantino Chiwenga is now making way to unveil the plaque

President Mnangagwa arrives for the ground-breaking ceremony of 720MW energy project in Hwange

Online Writer

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has arrived at the site of the ground-breaking ceremony for the ambitious 720MW thermal power plant and 200MW solar project in Hwange.

Vice President Chiwenga attends ground-breaking ceremony for major energy project in Hwange

Online Writer

VICE President Constantino Chiwenga has arrived in Hwange for the highly anticipated ground-breaking ceremony of a significant new energy project, which includes a 720MW thermal power plant and a 200MW solar power plant.

Ground-breaking ceremony for 720MW Hwange Thermal Power Plant

Leonard Ncube in Hwange
CROWDS and delegates have started arriving at the site of the ground-breaking ceremony for the 720MW thermal power plant to be led by President Mnangagwa in Hwange this morning.

10:00AM