By A Correspondent=Sugar producing company, Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe, have said that they have the capacity to increase ethanol production from 40 million litres per annum to nearly 60 million litres. The company further said that it would need financial support in order to meet that goal.

This was revealed by Tongatt Hulett Zimbabwe Acting Managing Director, Mr Aiden Mhere, during his presentation to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development in Triangle. Mhere said:

Given our expansion projects that include the Kilimanjaro project that will see more than 3 000 hectares of virgin land turned into cane fields we are looking forward to increased production of sugarcane that also translates to increased production of ethanol from our molasses, however, for us to reach our target of 60 million litres there is need for capacitation in terms of increased funds.

The committee chairperson, Mr Joel Gabbuza said that supporting the company was essential given that the country is facing fuel challenges.

Gabbuza said:

We are satisfied from what we have witnessed today at Triangle Ethanol Plant. Considering our blending ratio of unleaded petrol with ethanol, it is important that such companies just like the biggest ethanol producer, Greenfuel be supported.-StateMedia