Harare – Businessman Wicknel Chivhayo has defended his role in the Gwanda Solar Project, responding to criticism from a social media user accusing him of failing to deliver on the project. In a detailed tweet, Chivhayo outlined the challenges faced in implementing the 100 MW solar power plant, attributing delays to funding issues and Zimbabwe’s credit rating rather than any shortcomings on his part.
Chivhayo explained that his company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, was awarded the project after submitting a successful bid as the lowest compliant bidder. However, he noted that the project faced significant hurdles, particularly in securing the necessary funding of USD 173 million due to Zimbabwe’s poor credit rating, sovereign risk, and arrears that led Sinosure, the Chinese export credit insurance provider, to decline support.
Chivhayo emphasized that the USD 5 million initially paid was a small fraction of the overall project cost, sufficient only for preliminary works, which he claims were completed in full. He referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling (SC127/23), in which the court dismissed an appeal against Intratrek Zimbabwe, confirming that the procurement contract with Zimbabwe Power Company was valid and binding. The court ordered specific performance of the contract and rejected a USD 3 million counterclaim by the appellant.
Responding to his critics, Chivhayo suggested that those questioning his capacity to deliver might be uninformed about the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects. He offered to provide a copy of the Supreme Court judgment to those interested, stating, “For ease of reference, please read and understand the judgment of the Supreme Court matter we won SC127/23.”
The Gwanda Solar Project has been a topic of controversy, with public scrutiny over delays and concerns about Zimbabwe’s energy crisis. Chivhayo’s remarks are the latest in a series of public statements aimed at addressing these concerns and defending his company’s performance in the face of ongoing challenges.
