Sir Wicknell Intratrek Back At Gwanda Solar Energy Plant

By Staff Reporter
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60699
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September 21, 2019

Intratrek Zimbabwe has returned to the Gwanda solar power plant site after the High Court in June ordered ZESA subsidiary, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), to work with the renewable energy company to see the 100-megawatt project to fruition.

Intratrek, which is working with Chinese technical partner Chink Electrical, has in recent weeks constructed an access road, built an office block, cleared and fenced-off 260 hectares at the construction site. The Gwanda solar project has for long been seen as the poster-child of the country's failed investment in new power generation.

ZPC sought to cancel the US$172 million contract accusing Intratrek of breaching their agreement, but the energy firm owned by businessman Wicknell Chivayo, has won two High Court orders, the latest in June.

The government is anxious to have energy projects come onstream to bridge an energy shortfall of some 700 megawatts occasioned by low water levels at the main hydro power station at Kariba, and the unreliable coal-fired power plants.

Justice Tawanda Chitapi granted a specific performance order sought by Intratrek, ruling: "The public wants electricity for use at home and in industries. The public is not interested in bickering for self-interest and egos on the part of State actors and their contractors."

If ZPC wished to cancel the contract, the judge said, it had to pay Intratrek US$25 million dollars in damages.

"It has already been observed that the subject matter of the contract is of national importance. It is of public interest. The public wants electricity for use at home and in industries. The public is not interested in bickering for self-interest and egos on the part of State actors and their contractors," Justice Chitapi said. Intratrek has already received US$5.6 million of US$7.7 million for pre-commencement works.

ZPC has a pending appeal at the Supreme Court whose motive Justice Chitapi described as "improper."

"It is disgraceful that national projects are stalled by contracting parties having merry dances in boardrooms instead of project sites and seeing the project to fruition," the judge said.

Chivayo, who visited the Gwanda site this week, told ZimLive he was moving ahead to implement the project in four phases of 25 megawatts each.

"The power to be generated is not for use by Intratrek or ZPC alone, but for the whole nation," he said.

"The judgement of the High Court allowed execution pending appeal. Importantly, the judge said the parties must not merry-dance in boardrooms and courtrooms but must go and successfully implement the project for the benefit of Zimbabwe. That's what Intratrek is doing. Yes

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Personal Injury Lawyer Cost: How Attorney Fees Work

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Many injured people worry about hiring a lawyer because they are already dealing with medical bills, missed work, and financial stress.

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The good news is that many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee.

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Fee agreements vary, so always read the contract carefully.

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What Is a Contingency Fee?

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A contingency fee means the attorney’s payment depends on the outcome of the case.

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If there is no recovery, the lawyer may not collect an attorney fee. However, case costs may be handled differently depending on the agreement.

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The American Bar Association explains that in a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage of the recovery, and if the client loses, the lawyer generally does not receive a fee, though expenses may still be owed depending on the agreement.

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What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge?

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Ask the lawyer to explain the fee clearly before signing.

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Court filing fees
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Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, ask:

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What is your contingency fee percentage?
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A good attorney should explain fees in plain language.

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Is Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Worth It?

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A lawyer may be worth considering when:

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Injuries are serious
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A lawyer cannot guarantee more money, but legal representation may help protect your rights and avoid mistakes.

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Do All Personal Injury Cases Need a Lawyer?

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Not always.

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A minor accident with no injuries and simple property damage may not require an attorney.

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But if you have injuries, medical treatment, lost wages, or long-term symptoms, a consultation may be useful.

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Future medical treatment
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Once you sign a release, you may not be able to ask for more money later.

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How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer

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You can begin by checking state or local bar referral services. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that state bar websites generally have resources for the public looking for an attorney, and each legal case may require a lawyer suited to that specific problem.

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You can also ask:

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Friends or family
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rnProfessional legal directories

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Final Thoughts

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Personal injury lawyer cost is usually based on a contingency fee, but every fee agreement is different.

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Before hiring a lawyer, ask about percentages, costs, deductions, liens, and what happens if there is no recovery.

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A clear fee agreement protects both you and the attorney.

Best Personal Injury Lawyer After a Car Accident

A serious car accident can leave you dealing with medical bills, lost wages, pain, stress, and insurance problems. This is why many accident victims search for the best personal injury lawyer after a crash. A good car accident attorney can help protect your rights, deal with the insurance company, and fight for fair injury compensation.

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A car accident settlement may include emergency room bills, hospital costs, surgery, therapy, lost income, future medical care, property damage, and pain and suffering. In more serious cases, compensation may also include long-term disability or reduced earning ability.

When to Call a Lawyer

You should consider calling a personal injury lawyer if you were seriously injured, the insurance company is delaying payment, fault is disputed, or the settlement offer seems too low. Legal help is especially important when medical bills are high or injuries may affect your future.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right personal injury lawyer after a car accident can make a major difference. Before accepting any settlement, make sure you understand the full cost of your injuries and what your claim may be worth.