Chasi Challenges Ex-Eskom Boss To Prove Bribery Allegations

Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi has challenged former Eskom CEO Engineer Matshela Koko to name government officials who have stalled his US$250 million solar power deal by demanding bribes.

Addressing reporters during a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Chasi said:

As Government, we are always anxious when investors come to invest in our country and in the circumstances we always look forward to projects achieving fruition.

I have met Mr Matshela many times since the time that he came to apply. He has all the freedom and, in fact, he has popped up at my offices without an appointment and I have seen him. So what I need in order for us to go forward, is not vacuous statements.

Last week, Koko used Twitter to accuse unnamed government officials of trying to extort money from him, hindering his company, Matshela Energy, from implementing the project.

Koko was awarded a licence by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) in July this year for a 100MW solar farm in Gwanda.

More: The Herald