The PM indicated his support for the deal last week when he visited Redcliff in Kwekwe. Revival of the giant iron manufacturing firm seemed imminent when an Indian-based conglomerate, Essar Africa Holdings, pledged a $750 million investment.
However, a year after the signing of the deal witnessed by principals of the Global Political Agreement, no change has taken place. It is understood that the major hiccup of the deal has been the refusal by mines ministry officials to give up iron ore claims that were previously owned by ZISCO.
Other challenges included disagreements on Essar’s demand of acquiring nearby Munyati Power Station to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity; access to Hwange Colliery coal and assurance of smooth water supply from Kwekwe city council. PM Tsvangirai last week, however, assured hundreds of the company workers who have gone for seven months without salaries that all would be well. The PM said it was corruption and the urge to operate in an improper conduct that had caused delays. He then vowed to fight until the deal happened.
“If the deal does not materialise under the inclusive government, it will happen in my time,” he said, adding that if he wins the next elections the ZISCO saga will be top of the government priority list.
Post published in: News