KUDZAI MUPASI

MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – The Zimbabwe Energy and Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has issued a licence to Chatsworth Energy Private Limited,

Chatsworth Energy is a joint venture company between the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) and Gutu Rural District Council (RDC) to prepare for the establishment of a 5 MW solar photovoltaic power plant at Chatsworth Estate in Gutu.

The plant which will be called Gutu Solar Plant and located in Chatsworth Estate some 8 km away from Mpandawana Growth Point will generate electricity.

The issuance of the licence is confirmed in an advert placed by IBDZ in the media.

The project involves land preparation, civil works, installation of a 5MW solar power generation facility, construction of a 1km power transmission line, relaxed fixtures and construction of ancillary infrastructure. The works also entail connection of the proposed plant to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company grid via a XY kV feeder line from AB to BC substation.

Gutu RDC CEO, Alexander Mtembwa was contacted by The Mirror over the project.

“The generation license has been issued by ZERA but I cannot confirm when exactly the project will be complete since we are waiting for the project funders, the (IDBZ)”, said Mtembwa.

He said the community has overwhelmingly welcomed the project.