RESIDENTS and business groups have welcomed government’s decision to engage independent power producers (IPPs) to boost the national grid and have called on the Bulawayo City Council to leverage on this policy to revive the defunct Bulawayo Power Station.
The call comes as the city continues to grapple with persistent power shortages that have hampered industrial productivity and daily life.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association chairperson Stephen Nkomo urged council to act swiftly.
“We have always been lobbying council to revive the power station for the good of our industries,” Nkomo told Southern Eye.
“They must take advantage of this window, look for a donor or a partner and revive this station to return Bulawayo to its glory days.”
Nkomo recalled that the power station was taken over by the national power utility, Zesa Holdings, years ago, but failed to remain operational.
“For our industries to function, we need sufficient power supply,” he said.
“This is now a chance for the station to be returned and revived for the city’s benefit.”
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Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association executive director Michael Ndiweni suggested that council should enter into a build, operate and transfer arrangement with a private partner.
“The revival will ignite productivity and create jobs in the city,” Ndiweni said.
“The non-availability of electricity has severely compromised productivity.
“I hope this new policy will be operationalised through statutory instruments so that local authorities can start working on it immediately.”
Mayor David Coltart, however, emphasised the need for collaborative and modern approach.
“The decision must be taken in collaboration with Zesa. We need to engage experts in this,” he said.
“I believe we need modern technology. Our station was built using ancient technology and trying to reinvent it may be a challenge.
“I am of the opinion that we should use modern technology, making use of solar as well, rather than simply trying to resuscitate a plant that is now obsolete.”
Speaking in Parliament last week, Vungu MP Brown Ndlovu said the commissioning of new plants and IPPs would lay a solid foundation for industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.
