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Government has applauded the completion of the expansion of Kariba South Power Station, saying the exercise not only provided employment for locals, but would significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth. Speaking after touring the recently completed Kariba South Power Station, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, said additional power supplies will help domestic and industrial users.
Minister Chinamasa was accompanied by the Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs, Cde Webster Shamu.
“The power shortages have had negative effect on the economy for years. The new plant at the South Bank will improve power supplies for our domestic and industrial use which will improve production,” he said.
The expansion of Kariba South, which started on November 10, 2014, will be officially completed on March 10 this year.
Overall, 300MW will be added to the grid as a result of the project.
According to Minister Shamu, the power expansion project had helped transfer skills from international experts to local engineers and technicians.
“The project has brought new and modern power generation to Zimbabwe and has positive ripple effects on downstream services such as supplies and maintenance services,” he said.
Minister Shamu, however, noted that the challenges affecting local communities such as those in Nyaminyami district within the environs of the major power project – who ironically don’t have power supplies – have to be looked into and addressed.
Other key officials who were part of the tour include permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Willard Manungo and his counterpart in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development Mr Partson Mbiriri.
Online Reporter