Govt Promises To Chivayo-Load-Shedding
Promise or Pipe Dream? Zimbabwe’s 2026 Load-Shedding Deadline Raises Questions
Harare, Zimbabwe – December 3, 2024
By Farai D Hove | Analysis | The Zimbabwean government’s ambitious promise to end load shedding by 2026, backed by claims of implementing 18 new power projects generating nearly 4,000MW, has been met with skepticism, given the lingering shadows of corruption, mismanagement, and unfulfilled energy promises. Central to the doubt is the legacy of the Gwanda solar power tender scandal, involving controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, which many see as emblematic of the country’s systemic failures in energy planning and execution.
The Gwanda Scandal’s Lingering Impact
The Gwanda solar project, awarded to Intratek Zimbabwe under Chivayo’s leadership, was meant to deliver 100MW of power to the national grid. Instead, the project became a textbook case of graft. Despite receiving an advance payment of $5 million, the project remains a barren field with little progress made since its inception in 2015.
This debacle not only highlighted the government’s failure to enforce accountability but also left the energy sector reeling from a loss of public trust. Critics argue that promises like the 2026 load-shedding deadline ring hollow when previous pledges, such as Gwanda, have resulted in wastage and unmet expectations.
Lack of Transparency in Current Plans
While ZESA Holdings Executive Chairman, Dr. Sydney Gata, announced the implementation of 18 new projects to address the electricity deficit, questions remain about the transparency and feasibility of these ventures. Details about project timelines, funding sources, and contractual oversight are notably absent. Given past experiences, many fear these new projects could follow in Gwanda’s footsteps, plagued by mismanagement and corruption.
Energy analysts have also raised concerns about the heavy reliance on private investors. While partnerships with companies like Titan New Energy are a step in the right direction, the lack of stringent regulatory frameworks could expose these projects to the same vulnerabilities that derailed Gwanda.
An Overambitious Timeline?
The government’s claim that the projects will generate 4,000MW within two years has drawn sharp criticism from industry experts. Zimbabwe’s energy infrastructure has long been plagued by inefficiency, lack of maintenance, and outdated systems. Even with significant investment, the logistical and technical challenges of constructing large-scale thermal and solar plants, as well as hybridizing existing facilities like Kariba, make the 2026 deadline seem overly optimistic.
“The 2026 promise appears to be more of a political statement than a realistic target,” said an energy consultant familiar with Zimbabwe’s power sector. “Without substantial reforms and accountability, these promises could end up as nothing more than another PR stunt.”
The Role of Climate and Regional Context
Adding to the skepticism is the impact of climate change, which has already severely curtailed output from the Kariba Hydro-Power Station. While hybrid models are being touted as a solution, they are still untested in the Zimbabwean context. Meanwhile, regional energy challenges across Southern Africa mean that surplus energy may not materialize as easily as predicted, given competition and export hurdles.
What Needs to Change?
For Zimbabwe to truly end load shedding by 2026, the government must prioritize the following:
1. Accountability for Past Failures: The Gwanda scandal and similar missteps must be addressed, with clear consequences for those involved.
2. Transparency in New Projects: Public disclosure of contracts, timelines, and budgets for the 18 new projects is essential to build trust.
3. Regulatory Reform: Independent oversight mechanisms must be established to prevent corruption and ensure efficient execution.
4. Infrastructure Maintenance: Revamping the aging power grid should be prioritized alongside new developments.
5. Realistic Timelines: Instead of overpromising, the government should provide phased, achievable milestones to manage public expectations.
A History of Empty Promises
The promise to end load shedding by 2026 must contend with Zimbabweans’ collective memory of unfulfilled commitments in the energy sector. From the Chivayo scandal to the underwhelming progress at Batoka Gorge and other proposed projects, the government has a history of announcing grand plans with little follow-through.
As the clock ticks toward 2026, the burden of proof lies with the government to deliver on its promise. Until then, skepticism remains warranted. Zimbabweans, already battered by years of power outages and economic challenges, deserve more than empty promises—they deserve action and accountability.
Related
#Govt #Promises #ChivayoLoadShedding #ZimEye
