ZIMBABWE is set to gain an additional 600 megawatts (MW) of electricity at the completion of Hwange’s Deka Upgradation Project, a landmark energy infrastructural development aimed at boosting power generation.
The Hwange project, implemented at a cost of US$48,1 million, was made possible through co-operation between the governments of Zimbabwe and India, with funding provided by the Indian Exim Bank.
The project includes the construction of a 42km pipeline which will supply water to Hwange Thermal Power Station and surrounding communities.
The pipeline will see an increase in water supply from 3 500 to 6 000 cubic metres per hour.
The project started in October 2021.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the project yesterday, Energy and Power Development minister Edgar Moyo said the Deka Upgradation Project is a significant step towards enhancing electricity generating infrastructure for the benefit of citizens.
“The Deka Upgradation Project is a significant step towards enhancing our electricity generating infrastructure and achieving our national vision of an empowered upper-middle-class economy by 2030,” he said.
“It is expected to generate an additional 600MW of power at Hwange, bringing the country closer to its goal of universal access to modern energy services.
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“We are committed to ensuring that all Zimbabweans have access to modern energy services and this project is a significant step towards achieving that goal.”
Zimbabwe is experiencing long hours of load-shedding, with government saying the situation is being worsened by depleting water levels at Lake Kariba.
Moyo said government was ready to work with private players in the energy sector.
“The fiscus does not have the capacity to meet the country’s energy capital requirements and thus government cannot do it alone. This is a challenge facing all developing nations worldwide,” he said.
“I, therefore, call upon the private sector to actively participate in this area and contribute towards the development of our lovely country. I am glad that some private players have already heeded the call.”
The Zimbabwe Zhongxin Electrical Energy Company also recently commissioned a 50MW thermal power plant at Deka Bridge in Hwange.
