FULL TEXT: I'll Skin The Snake Alive, Chasi Responds To "Energy Ministry Is A Live Snake" Remarks

The Sunday Mail’s reporter, Debra Matabvu (DM) conducted an interview with the recently sworn in Minister of Energy and Power Development, Advocate Fortune Chasi (FC). Matabvu wanted to understand on a number of issues including the fuel crisis. Below is an excerpt from the interview:

DM: Lastly, there are some sections of society that say your latest appointment is tantamount to being thrown in the deep end. This is in light of you presiding over electricity and fuel, which is in shortage, what is your response to this as well as your vision?

FC: We need to recognise that the enormity of the task requires commonality of vision and a determination to achieve it.

Resolution of the challenge requires everyone’s cooperation and, in that regard, engagement is key. That is why I have met the players in the petroleum industry. We agreed to work together for the good of our country and the national interest. I want to engage everyone, including the ordinary person. I also need, desperately, to engage commerce and industry to hear their side of issues and them to hear ours.We need to use our fuels and power responsibly and with sensitivity to the implications on the country. We need them (industry) to consider going off grid, by going solar during the day and using Zesa power at night.

We need to do this for many institutions, particularly those that are strategic like hospitals and so on. Many buildings in Harare have spaces for solar installations. We need to invest in solar energy equipment so that we can reduce reliance on traditional sources of power. The private sector will be key in all of this, so will pension funds and any other institution that needs a home for its money. This is a good way to invest. I hereby invite all those interested to contact me so we can commence this conversation.

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This will not only save us significant amounts in foreign currency, but it will also make substantial amounts of power available for other purposes. It would be highly irresponsible for me not to pursue this.Econet has led in this enterprise and I want to encourage other corporates to do so.

When I meet industry and commerce, I am hoping to persuade them to take this approach. Above all, it makes serious business sense as it removes uncertainty and assures them of business continuity.

So yes, it is a deep end but my team and I, as well as, the entire power and petroleum industry, will leave a serious imprint.

It will be necessary for me to engage international financial institutions to assist us.

So, only a collaborative approach will yield results. If I am in the deep end, then all of us are. If it is a live snake that has been thrown at me, then I will play my part in its skinning!

More: The Sunday Mail