Mitra Energy’s over E200m fuel stations investment
MBABANE – Mitra (nergy (swatini is set to invest over (200 million in the construction of fuel stations across the country.
7he country has been hogged with numerous issues around the availability of fuel which has impacted the economy and the transport industry. 7he war in 5ussia and 8kraine has also affected the fuel industry locally, while the investment by Mitra (nergy (swatini could be a positive step towards dealing with the constant emergence of shortages.
Mitra (nergy (swatini *eneral Manager *M 7hulani 1tshangase, said the company was targeting a wider footprint in local towns, especially those that were based at rural areas. He said there were areas of target and in some of the places they had started constructions of fuel stations.
INVESTMENTS
Mitra (nergy is a global $frican energy company with key focus centred on investments in production and distribution infrastructures. 7he company provides energy solutions to most countries in southern $frica.
1tshangase said they were targeting at spreading to over 20 places across the country and they had already made great headway in seven areas where they began construction. He stated that they were about to finish construction in Manzini and %uhleni while work had begun at Maliyaduma, Maphungwane, =ombodze (muva, 6iphofaneni and -ubela.
He further revealed that they had set aside about ( 0 million for each unit of the close to 20 filling stations they were planning to open countrywide.
“We are glad to be delivering in our promise and we intend to deliver even more than what was pledged in 2020 when the minister of &ommerce opened the company. We have made great headway in some of the areas we are targeting and we would love to thank bobabe tikhulu the chiefs and authorities in these areas. 2ur work relies mostly on the community seeing value to what we want to do.
EMPOWER
“7he intention is clearly to empower communities in remote areas where it is difficult for people to get fuel services. We want to bring this close to the people, hence community consultation is important in our proMects,” he said.
1tshangase added that they were aware of the great responsibility that comes with such an opportunity. He said when one was on a mission as theirs, that person needed to be able to deliver even when odds were stack against him.
He said the company was not, in anyway, looking to disturb or compete with the current players in the petroleum industry but was seeking to complement the status quo. He mentioned though that they were bringing something different from others and their services were of an improved standard.
“We are quite different and we intend to bring our uniqueness to complement what the principal players in our industry have. We will do things in our way but we won¶t be striving for anything less than perfect and better.
EXPERIENCE
“2ur brand has own standout features and people will get to experience that as soon as we open in a few days from now. We are tidying up a few things in Manzini and will be launching also in %uhleni, which shows that our intentions are very clear,” he said.
7he *M highlighted that they had their unique element, which set them apart as a stand-alone entity from other relevant franchises. He said though the company originated from outside the country, they had an autonomous power to domestically deal with local needs and make decisions in their very own head offices, located in Manzini.
1tshangase said the continuous shortages of fuel in the country inspired Mitra (nergy (swatini to be born. He mentioned that they further saw an opportunity of building a local brand which would fit into the needs of the people.
ACCESSIBILITY
“We have noted the issues around fuel accessibility in the areas we have chosen and we felt encouraged to close that gap by taking the product to ema6wati in the rural areas. 7his is a product that was plainly made for the people and it made sense for us not to focus on the high density towns, but to go out to where people do not have even a filling station.
“,t¶s a simple case of math, fuel shortages were bound to happen where people travel long distances to fill-up their tanks, so a simple business model where fuel can be accessible would easily mitigate the problem,” he added.
1tshangase stated that they were expecting to open the two filling stations, one at %uhleni in the Hhohho 5egion and another one in Manzini behind 7relawney 3ark, in a few weeks. He said they had anticipated the end of -anuary 202 , but the proMect was delayed by the recent rains, among other things.
7he much anticipated opening of the
new fuel stations around the country has created social media frenzy and the public hailed the Mob opportunities presented by the initiative. 7he company has also made public promotions and brand activations to publicise the upcoming filling stations.
7he petroleum company is currently wholesaling diesel 0ppm, petrol-ulp, handi-gas ,3, illuminating paraffin, automotive lubricants, and fuel transportation.
7hey further help in securing truck stop or parking facilities, filling service stations, and fuel storage.
1tshangase said they aere committed to serving $frican countries in accessing affordable, consistent, and quality energy solutions.
TERMINALS
He said some of their main businesses included trade, storage and distribution of petroleum products, power production and /1* terminals.
He stated that the company¶s main aim is to offer total customer satisfaction, a goal that not only required the best products and services but also to use the best technologies and procedures. 7he *M stated that they were motivated by their desire to excel in all business ventures. He mentioned that they seek to strengthen the foundations of their business, while creating an added value to contribute positively in the community.
7he company, in 2020, launched a ( 00 million investment, which included the construction of a fuel depot at /wandle, Manzini, which was launched by Minister of &ommerce, ,ndustry and 7rade Manqoba .humalo.