adminLuthando Mapepa
A PRIVATE company, Kupinga Renewable Energy, is ready to commence the much-awaited 1,5mw Kupinga Hydro-electric Project in Rusitu this month.
Representatives of the company and Government are expected to tour the area to map the way for commencement of the construction of the plant this month.
According to the papers The Manica Post has in its possession, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority has issued the project a 25-year licence.
Part of the licence reads: “ZERA has granted Kupinga the licence in terms of Section 42 of the Act to construct, own, operate and maintain the Kupinga Power Station commencement of works by August 2014.”
Chipinge District Administrator Mr Edgars Seenza confirmed the development which is expected to start this month and said the Rusitu Hydro-electric Project will embrace the implementation of the rural electrification programme in the district.
He said the development of the power station would bring immense benefits to the district and the country at large.
“The establishment of Kupinga Hydro-electric Station in Rusitu area will help all rural communities in the district to access electricity. The development will see locals benefitting from new electricity connections. It will also create new business opportunities in the agriculture-based district.
“The company was already granted a surface-water permit to divert water from Rusitu River to the catchment area,” he said.
The Rusitu Hydro-electric Project was developed on the Lisuti River, now known as Rusitu River, in the early 70s. The project was to be commissioned in the mid-70s and was expected to feed into the Mutare to Chipinge line but was abandoned.
Online Reporter