Batoka power project gathers momentum

Trust Freddy

Herald Correspondent

THE Zambezi River Authority has officially started the final regulatory phase for the US$4.5 billion Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme, inviting public stakeholders to scoping meetings essential for the project’s groundbreaking.

The move marks a transition from high-level financial structuring to active environmental compliance and physical site engagement.

It follows a decisive inspection conducted in January by the Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, who also serves as the chairperson of the ZRA Council of Ministers.

In a formal notice issued yesterday, the ZRA announced it is conducting an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment in accordance with the Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27) and Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007.

The scoping meetings are designed to integrate the concerns and recommendations of communities and industries operating along the Zambezi River into the final project design.

“The project involves the construction of a dam wall across the Zambezi River, about 47 km downstream of Victoria Falls, and the development of two power stations,” reads part of the notice.

“In accordance with the Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27) and the Environmental Management (Environmental Impact Assessment and Ecosystems Protection) regulations (SI 7 of 2007), ZRA is required to conduct public consultation meetings.

“As part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process, these meetings aim to inform stakeholders about the proposed project and provide an opportunity to submit views, concerns, and recommendations.”

The Zimbabwean leg of these consultations is scheduled to take place in Victoria Falls on Tuesday next week.

“ZRA therefore cordially invites members of the public, traditional leaders, Government agencies, local authorities, non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, community-based organisations, the business community, and all other interested and affected parties to attend the public scoping meetings.”