Staff ReporterControversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo is appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy to give a detailed explanation on the tender awarded to him for the Gwanda Solar Power Plant, the payment processes and the progress made so far.
The committee is seeking to hear submissions regarding Chivayo’s Intratek and Zimbabwe Power Company US$5 million solar power deal.
There was false start to the Intratek-ZPC power deal hearing as committee members rejected the presence of Mr Bruce Tokwe and Farai Zuva, both lawyers representing other Intratek shareholders.
The legislators say Mr Chivayo is not on trial, hence he shouldn’t bring lawyers.
However, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy Mr Temba Mliswa says the presence of lawyers is not a problem and they can only interject or raise a red flag if there seems to be interference.
Chivayo maintains he hasn’t invited the lawyers, with the lawyers saying they are there for the interests of other Intratek shareholders.
Members of Parliament were also contesting the presence of ZESA Holdings members (CEO Mr Josh Chifamba and PR Manager Fullard Gwasira) in the gallery.
- The hearing eventually commenced.
- Chivayo narrated how he was awarded the tender in question.
- He is quizzed on his criminal record and he responded that there is nothing in the Procuring Act that forbids a person with previous conviction from participating in a tender.
- He says he initially lost out to a Chinese company then approached former Energy Minister Dzikamai Mavhaire and lodged a complaint that the solar power plant project was his brainchild.
- The Minister took up the matter to cabinet and as a local investor; his company was eventually considered and awarded the tender with two other companies.
- Chivayo was asked if he is related to the former First Family and how it was possible for him to form a company in 2012 and be awarded a multimillion dollar tender a year later.
More details to follow….
