Wicknell Chivayo set to get fresh bite at US$172m Gwanda Solar Project deal

HARARE – Controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo is set to get a fresh bite at the Gwanda Solar Project cherry after government announced that it is currently reviewing its contract with him with a view to sealing a deal soon.

Chivayo was last year acquitted together with his company Intratrek Zimbabwe (Private) Limited of misappropriating US$5,6 million for the abortive 100MW Gwanda Solar Project after the Harare Magistrates Court agreed that there had been an unreasonable delay in the prosecution.

The project had brought intense scrutiny on the controversial businessman, who became regarded as the face of corruption by some in the country.

Speaking during a parliamentary appearance, Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo said that the project was now ready to move ahead, with new parameters set, after the conclusion of the court case.

“Following the Supreme Court judgement of December 2023, which upheld a prior High Court decision affirming the validity and binding nature of the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the Gwanda Solar Project, both ZPC and Intratrek are required to fulfil their respective obligations under the original contract,” said Minister Moyo.

The changing landscape on solar energy provision meant that the terms of the contract would also be reviewed, Minister Moyo said.

“Due to the prolonged delay in project commencement, as well as new connections to the nearby 132kV transmission line and other network developments in the vicinity, the committee is reviewing an updated feasibility study to refine the project’s implementation framework.”

“Once these processes are finalised, the Gwanda Solar Project will be amended to incorporate the revised contract price, updated technical specifications and provisions addressing the project’s environmental and social impact,” said Minister Moyo.

Only last year it was exposed that Chivayo and his partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu had fleeced the government through a corrupt US$100 million tender to supply election materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

Key players in the US$100 million deal were Zec chairperson Priscilla Chigumba, chief electoral officer Utloile Silaigwana, chief procurement officer Robson Changachirere, businessmen Wicknell Chivayo, Moses Mpofu, Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya and Mike Chimombe, Central Intelligence Organisation Director-General Isaac Moyo, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya, lawyer Everson Chatambudza, Ren-Form international sales executive Angus Carlaw and the company chief executive Thomas Michel du Sart.