On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the Senate Speaker, Right Honourable Emmanuel Sinzohagera, received in audience in Bali, Grand Haytt, the financial consultant of the JiMat Company, Mr. Adhitiya Kesuma.
Their conversation focused on the progress of the JiMat project activities, including the financing of the project and the technology used to transform sorghum into sugar.
Mr. Kesuma explained that JiMat plans to use bioethanol technology, recognized for its multiple advantages. This process would not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also mitigate climate change, thanks to combustion that emits less CO2 than fossil fuels. In addition, this technology promotes the use of agricultural residues, contributing to the recovery of waste and the reduction of waste.
The consultant also stressed that Burundi could save up to 50% of its fuel expenses by adopting a biofuel blend composed of 50% fossil and 50% bioethanol.
Mr. Kesuma stressed the benefits for the Burundian population, who will be able to benefit from on-site training, sorghum planting techniques and equipment. In addition, JiMat is committed to purchasing the crops to transform them into sugar.
However, the financial consultant reported a major obstacle to the project financing: the bank refused to grant a loan to JiMat because the latter does not have a title deed for the land where will be established an agri-food industry for the production of sorghum-based sugar.
The Senate Speaker thanked the consultant for all this information and informed him that as a people representative, he should have full knowledge of the challenges facing JiMat.