Staff Writer
Piping products manufacturer Proplastics anticipates commissioning its solar project by the end of July this year.
Last year, the Proplastics board approved the implementation of a substantial solar generation project to mitigate the impact of ongoing and significant load shedding.
The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed firm said with the El-Niño-induced drought, electricity generation is likely to be at its lowest posing supply gaps resulting in loading shedding.
“Materials for the new solar plant have now been delivered to the site and work has commenced. The project is expected to be commissioned by the end of July 2024,” Proplastics said in a trading update.
The firm has been significantly affected by power outages, leading to a notable increase of 23% in its cost of sales due to the use of a generator backup.
Proplastics said the solar project will not only reduce the group’s carbon footprint but will, in addition, have a significant positive effect on the production costs, as it will be fully integrated into the existing Zesa and generator supply model.
Meanwhile, Proplastics said it anticipates demand for irrigation pipes, borehole casing and newly introduced tanks to improve, driven by drought mitigation-related projects.
The country has been battling recurring droughts in recent years, which have caused water shortages and negatively impacted agriculture.
Proplastics products can play a vital role in mitigating the effects of drought by providing essential infrastructure for irrigation and water storage.
Proplastics manufactures and markets plastic pipes and fittings, specialising in the production of polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene pipes and related fittings.
The pipes and fittings are manufactured for various applications in irrigation, water and sewer reticulation, mining, telecommunications and building construction.
