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UPDATES BY: Nduduzo Tshuma and Prosper Ndlovu

13:38 – As token of appreciation Makomo has donated one million bricks and 2000 tonnes of coal peas (top quality) to be delivered to a recipient of the President’s discretion.

13:35 – “As government we count on you Makomo to fulfil our vision.”

There is no need for companies here to quarrel, you are brothers. The coal here belongs to Government. Let us all feel we are wanted and important and be patriotic about ourselves,” said President Mnangagwa before ending his remarks.

13:32 – President Mnangagwa says coal peas should be donated to Mpilo Central Hospital, while bricks will be donated to a local school project at the discretion of area councillors.

13:30 – President Mnangagwa takes to the podium.

“Let’s begin to move forward on basis of things under our control.”

“We need industry, commerce and tourism as they contribute. But primarily we can’t force people to come to Victoria Falls but we can force production of coal because the mines are ours. The challenge is are we united as a people?”

13:00 -Makomo Resources Company representative Mr T Mungoni now giving his remarks.

Mr Mungoni says the company exports coke to Zambia and DRC. The company plans on expanding to feed coal to Hwange power expansion project. He says US$100 million needed in the next three years.

He says the mine has received great support from Government and believes Zimbabwe is indeed open for businesses.

12:30 -President Mnangagwa has arrived at Makomo Resources

11:40 – President Mnangagwa says the country has all the resources to develop the country and all it needs is peace and harmony to achieve collective development.

“We don’t want violence in the country.”

11:36 – President Mnangagwa says he is pleased that the company is now diversifying into energy generation.

He says the country should be energy sufficient by 2023.

“Because we have everything, we have the coal, we have the gas, we have everything. I was disappointed yesterday to hear that at some point Hwange Colliery was importing coal when we have all these resources that will outlive us.

“We must open coal mining to all groups capable of mining. We must produce coal for ourselves and also for the industries in neighbouring countries. Our industries must be driven by our own generated power.”

11:35 – President Mnangagwa says ZGCC has his backing and that of government.

11:32 – He reveals that there is a massive irrigation programme on the cards to ensure full utilization of the water bodies. He says in two to three seasons the country should no longer experience food insecurity.

“Countries like Spain and Belarus are supporting Zimbabwe in agriculture mechanization.”

11:30 – President Mnangagwa addresses guests and delegates at Zimbabwe Gas and Coal Company.

“Zimbabwe has an excess of 10 000 water bodies and only 25 percent are being used. For Government to achieve food security it needs to assist farmers towards smart agriculture.”

PREAMBLE

President Mnangagwa has arrived at Dinson Colliery in Hwange on the second day of the tour of coal projects in the district.

Yesterday the President toured Western Coal and Energy Company, the new South Mining Coke Plant, Jinan/Tutu Coke Project and Hwange Colliery Company’s Chaba Mine.

Join us for live updates.