Published: 21 January 2014

The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) says work on the second phase of the multi-million dollar Chisumbanje ethanol project has resumed with an investment of $260 million.

The multi-million dollar Chisumbanje project has been described as one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Africa, and it is now progressing into the second phase following the successful completion of the initial phase which saw an injection of $200 million.

ARDA Board Chairperson, Mr Basil Nyabadza said under the second phase, cane production is expected to increase from 9500 hectares to 15000 and will see monthly fuel import savings of between $8 million to $9 million.

"We are glad that the initial phase that is 2008 to 2013 was successfully completed. We have since moved to the second phase which runs from January 2014 to December 2014," said Mr Nyabadza.

Apart from the increase in cane production, the second phase will see the establishment of flex-fuel conversion centres in other cities which include Bulawayo, Mutare and Gweru, as well as the increase in employment levels from 5500 to 7700 people.

On the energy part, the second phase will result in an increase of power exported to the national grid to 15 megawatts while at the community level, the project will also see an increase in the number of small holder farmers under the irrigation scheme by 33%.
- zbc

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