adminengaging potential investors. We will advise when we reach financial closure,” he said.
However, sources at the power company said Chinese and Indian firms were being targeted to fund the project.
Once funding is secured, the project is expected to take approximately 36 months to complete the engineering phase, which involves generation specifications, tendering for engineering, procurement and construction contractor and conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Mr Gapare said the EIA for the project was nearing conclusion. “EIA is being finalised and next stage is to carry out a geotechnical survey of the area,” he said.
ZPC has appointed Ascon Africa Environmental Consultants to conduct the EIA.
Mr Gapare said work at the project site is expected to start in 2014.
The power plant will be constructed on the Gairezi River in Nyanga, Manicaland province, and is expected to add 30 megawatts to the national grid. The project envisages harnessing the hydropower potential of the river by constructing a diversified dam across Gairezi to divert the design flows to a power house through a head race tunnel.
A feasibility study of the project has since been concluded and about US$90 million is required to complete the project. — New Ziana.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter