ZPC gives Chivayo new ultimatum for stalled solar project

Zimbabwe Power Company handed Wicknell Chivayo's Intratek a revised 24-month ultimatum for the long-stalled 100MW Gwanda Solar Project, eight years after the firm failed to install a single panel. NewZimbabwe.com reported that government discussions now focus on price, despite Chivayo's history of bungling the $172 million deal. The project, originally awarded in 2018, has seen no progress. This raises questions about the government's continued trust in a politically connected figure who has been accused of bungling the deal and failing to deliver on previous promises. Critics argue that the renewed deadline merely delays accountability and risks further public funds being wasted on a project that may never materialize, especially given Chivayo's track record of non-delivery. The core vulnerability: the project's credibility remains tethered to a politically connected figure with a track record of non-delivery, undermining public confidence in energy sector reforms and raising concerns about the government's commitment to transparency.