Waiting for the rain

Sunday Mail Reporter
Zimbabwe is now receiving 90 MW from Mozambique’s Cahora Bassa after negotiating 40 MW on top of its usual quota, as part of efforts to ease load shedding. Traditionally, Harare imports 50MW from its Eastern neighbour. Cahora Bassa is not affected by Zambezi River’s dropping levels as it is downstream.

Secretary for Energy and Power Development Mr Partson Mbiriri said the increased supplies – though welcome — will not be sufficient to meet demand. He said improved rainfall was the interim solution, adding that long-term measures included rehabilitating Harare and Bulawayo thermal power stations.

“Don’t expect anything dramatic regarding the electricity situation. We are hoping the rains will come this season. Other long-term projects are reviving the Harare and Bulawayo power stations.”

Harare-based economist Mr Witness Chinyama said Government should consider roping more private sector players into power generation.
“Government should find other ways of generating electricity like solar systems as those in countries like Pakistan and Kenya. Setting up mini-hydro power stations in every district is also an option; that could feed into the national electricity grid.
“Also throw biogas into the mix.”

“We are all aware of the economic hardships Zimbabwe is facing; therefore we need our Government to pass electricity generating projects to private investors as well so that they may come up with new ideas in the electrify sector.”