Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls
THE 43rd Ordinary Council of Ministers meeting of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has commenced in Victoria Falls, with delegations from Zimbabwe and Zambia reaffirming their commitment to regional energy cooperation, signalling a renewed spirit of partnership and optimism.
The high-level meeting is being attended by key ministers and senior government officials and is co-chaired by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, Honourable July Moyo, who is set to assume full chairmanship of the council.
In his welcoming remarks, Minister Moyo highlighted the timely nature of the gathering.
“We convene at a time of renewed optimism as recent hydrological data shows significantly higher river flows than last year, which promises enhanced water and energy security in our two countries,” he said.
Minister Moyo extended a warm Zimbabwean welcome to dignitaries, including the chairperson, Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote; Finance Ministers Situmbeko Musokotwane of Zambia and Professor Mthuli Ncube of Zimbabwe, who joined virtually; Attorneys General Mr Mulilo Kabesha and Mrs Virginia Mabhiza; and senior technocrats from both nations.
Also in attendance are Eng Munyaradzi Munodawafa, Chief Executive of the ZRA, and power utility heads from ZESCO and ZESA.
Minister Moyo underscored landmark progress in bilateral relations, particularly an agreement on settling the long-standing Ex-CAPCO debt owed to Zambia. He also commended the ZRA for its commitment to the sustainable management of Lake Kariba waters amid past challenges.
“The interdependence of our power systems and the collaborative management of transboundary resources remain central to achieving energy security and driving sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He further revealed that the two heads of state have directed officials to expedite the development of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme, signalling a major step forward in regional energy infrastructure.
As Zimbabwe prepares to take over the council’s chairmanship, the meeting sets a collaborative tone for tackling energy challenges and harnessing shared resources for the mutual benefit of both nations and the wider SADC region.
