Zimbabwe minister defends stuttering ethanol project

The minister for Energy and Power Development in Zimbabwe, Elton Mangoma, has addressed public doubts over an ethanol project in the village of Chisumbanje.

The project, which has cost $600 million (€465 million) so far, halted in August as politicians could not agree on how best to proceed with it.

Speaking to displaced villagers that paved the way for the project and members of an inter-ministerial committee, Mangoma stressed that its proper management could change the lives of the people and help turn the fortunes of the country’s economy around.

‘It is important that you elect people who will be able to represent you in a manner that you really want to be represented,’ he says. ‘These people must be of good standing, who cannot be bribed, who have your interests at heart and who are very active pertaining to issues and problems surrounding this project.’

This feedback was part of the findings after a fact finding mission undertaken in August by committee members to try and find the best way to get the project back on track.

Mangoma has also ordered the Chipinge Rural District Council to regulate all land acquisitions meant for the project immediately in accordance with the laws of the country.