Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Hwange
THE Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, on Wednesday toured the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme site, signalling renewed momentum by Zimbabwe and Zambia to realise the long-awaited project.
The scheme, once completed, is expected to generate 2 400 megawatts of electricity, equally shared between the two countries.
Minister Moyo was joined by senior officials from his ministry, ZESA Acting Chief Executive Officer Eng Cletus Nyachowe, Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) management, and representatives from the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA). ZRA engineers briefed the delegation on the scope of work following recent political commitments to accelerate the project.
Speaking to journalists, Minister Moyo, who currently chairs the ZRA Council of Ministers, reaffirmed the high-level drive behind the initiative.
“We are working under the direction of our two Presidents who met in October last year. They instructed us, as Ministers of Energy supported by technical utilities, to ensure that Batoka takes off,” he said.
He disclosed that a subsequent Council of Ministers meeting in Victoria Falls last December solidified plans, including a concrete financial commitment.
“The two governments have allocated $440 million, equally distributed between Zambia and Zimbabwe,” he said, describing the allocation as a demonstration of serious intent.
Minister Moyo emphasised urgency, directing the ZRA to prepare a critical paper for the Ministers of Finance, detailing how to mobilise resources beyond the initial $440 million to commence construction of the dam and power stations.
A key focus of the project is on localisation and maximising domestic benefits.
“Depending on the model we adopt, we have enough skills to mobilise our people to assist in construction. There is also potential to use cement, steel, and aggregates available within our countries,” he said.
Preparatory infrastructure development, including roads and housing, will be undertaken to attract investors.
“When they see us starting to put roads in place, they know we are ready to develop Batoka,” the Minister added.
Addressing social and environmental concerns, Minister Moyo assured that the project’s design will not displace communities and will not affect the flow of the Victoria Falls, located about five kilometres away. He also pledged that communities in Hwange and surrounding areas would benefit from associated infrastructure and works, in line with the national philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi