‘Public officials demanding bribes from investors are enemies of development’: Mnangagwa
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned that individuals demanding bribes from investors and those vandalising energy infrastructure will be dealt with.
Speaking while commissioning the 10MW New Glovers Solar Plant in Munyati, Kwekwe Friday, Mnangagwa said his government has a zero-tolerance stance on acts undermining strategic national investments.
His remarks come amid recurring reports from both local and foreign investors over alleged corruption and demands for bribes by some individuals in influential offices during investment processes.
“Anyone who steals cables, vandalises infrastructure, or demands bribes from investors is an enemy of development.
“A solar panel stolen today means a job lost tomorrow. Guard this project like you guard your own homes,” Mnangagwa said.
Zimbabwe has in recent years faced repeated cases of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure, including theft of transformers, transmission cables and solar equipment, costing the country millions of dollars and worsening power shortages.
He also urged Zimbabweans in the diaspora to invest in strategic national projects.
“Meanwhile, I urge individuals and entities, including those in the diaspora, to diversify their investments into key national priority projects. Both urban and rural local authorities, are called upon to ring fence and reserve land for the establishment of energy and technology parks,” he said.
The newly commissioned solar plant will feed into the national grid.
The commissioning of the solar project comes at a time Zimbabwe is increasing investment in green and smart energy projects as part of efforts to tackle climate change, reduce dependence on ageing thermal power stations and improve electricity supplies amid growing demand.
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المصدر: NewZimbabwe