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The Zambezi River gorges are where the 1 600MW Batoka Gorge hydro-electric project would be developed.
The development would see scores of villagers being relocated to make way for the roads.
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Sources said two companies had already moved on site and had started clearing land for the roads.
Construction material for the Batoka hydro-electric project would be be transported through the access roads.
“Two companies are already constructing the access roads and they have also built their offices near Georges Lodge. The access roads project is expected to be completed within nine months before machinery for the hydro-electric project is brought in.”
Matabeleland North Governor and Resident Minister Thokozile Mathuthu yesterday said she was happy that the project was finally taking shape.
Governor Mathuthu said relocation of villagers was of little significance compared to the magnitude of the project.
The project is expected to increase power supply for the whole country and the region at large.
“This is a project that is going to benefit the whole country. It is going to benefit the industries and we hope it will also attract investors because once completed, we will have abundant power supply,” she said.
“Given the magnitude of the project, communities within the radius of the area of development are expected to be relocated.”
Governor Mathuthu said the locals would benefit through labour supply.
The Batoka Gorge project would see the construction of a dam wall and subsequently a hydro power plant on the Zambezi River.
The station is expected to generate electricity to be shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The stations would be constructed 54 kilometres downstream from the Victoria Falls.
It was delayed due to non-payment of funds to the Central African Power Company for its assets that had to be shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia after the dissolution of the company.
Online Reporter