Below is the full thread posted by Energy minister Fortune Chasi over his alleged interference in the Gwanda solar project and the letter he allegedly wrote to the board to withdraw charges against controversial businessman Wicknell Chivhayo.

Below is the full text:

GWANDA PROJECT: I promised to respond to the various questions that many have asked regarding the decision Gvt has taken on the future of the project.

The interest and concern shown by the public is both proper & warranted. Below I will set out the reasoning that has informed my stance on the matter.

Over the past yr since I was appointed I have hoped that a resolution would be found once the Board was in place . My hope was premised on the fact that there was a court order which required that the parties meet and agree.

I will endeavor to set out the circumstances of this matter as briefly and as concisely as twitter will allow

Just for completeness it’s important to note the 100 MW Gwanda Solar Project was advertised as a public tender, and, on the face of adjudicated upon and awarded.

What are the options open to the country? Zesa lost twice in the High Court. They appealed to the Supreme Court. The appeal has been pending for a while. It does not have a set down date as yet. Can we afford the luxury of endless litigation in the light of a new financing plan ?

It is possible that I may have made a mistake in the decision I have taken. I take full responsibility for it.

Should we completely ignore the fact that the experts like Utedzi have promised that within a period of 6 mths they will deliver the initial 10 mw? Should we instead start a new process that will take no less than 18 mths before work begins making it effectively 7 yrs?

Should we discount the fact that Mr Utedzi who is now consulting for Intratek, has world class experience and has recently switched on a solar plant at nyabira?