Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe and Zambia are revitalising discussions on the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme, which is aimed at addressing the pressing energy challenges faced by both countries.
This comes after Zambia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Brigadier General (Rtd) Wilson Tembo paid a courtesy call on Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare today.
During their meeting, energy issues took centre stage, with the proposed Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Power Station set to generate an impressive 2400 MW of electricity from the Zambezi River that borders the two countries.
The project is expected to play a critical role in alleviating the energy deficit currently impacting both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“We discussed a range of topics related to our bilateral relations, starting with my introduction as the new Ambassador from the Republic of Zambia,” said Ambassador Tembo.
“We discussed the energy sector, which has faced severe challenges due to the drought conditions experienced in 2023-2024. These conditions severely impacted water levels in Kariba Dam, the primary source of our electricity.
“We recognised the urgent need to explore alternative renewable energy solutions, like the Batoka Gorge project, to mitigate these challenges.
“Our discussions also emphasised the importance of firm commitment to moving this project forward,” said Ambassador Tembo.
Bongani Ndlovu