THE country’s largest fuel retailer, Total Zimbabwe, has launched a new product, Awango solar lamps, in a project the company invested close to $1 million.
BY TARISAI MANDIZHA
The Awango solar lamps are expected to address the current power outages in the country by providing an alternative source of energy.
Speaking at the launch in Harare yesterday, Total Zimbabwe chief executive officer Chris Okonmah said the group was targeting to sell over 100 000 solar lamps this year.
“Today, we are launching a solar lamp, Awango, which is set to address power challenges in the country. It has cost us money to build and to import the product — we have spent about $1 million for Zimbabwe only,” Okonmah said.
“We would be happy if we sold 100 000 solar lamps this year, it would not be a bad start.”
He said SNV Rural Solar Market Development Project was in partnership with Total to assist in marketing the product in the rural areas.
Okonmah said the group was in the process of rebranding some of its service stations around the country.
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The group has over 100 service stations around the country.
“Rebranding has just started and we have done 12 service stations. We will be doing 20, but the group has over 100 service stations around the country,” Okonmah said.
Speaking at the same event, Energy and Power Development deputy minister Tsitsi Muzenda said Zimbabwe had abundant sunlight, therefore, it only made sense to harness solar power for productive use.
“It is our goal as the energy sector to promote and build on solar and other renewable energy initiatives,” she said.
“Having access to solar energy is a huge step in the right direction towards empowering our communities, businesses, youth and small to medium scale enterprises.
“Empowering in the sense that solar energy provides lighting and energy for increased productivity beyond the daylight hours, thus contributing to economic development.”
She said this project would undoubtedly transform lives through the provision of clean and renewable energy which would replace traditional lighting in the form of open fires, paraffin lamps and candles.
She, however, challenged Total to develop a solar farm that could contribute to the national power grid.
