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Gwayi-Shangani mini-hydro project reaches 75% completion
2 hrs ago |
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CONSTRUCTION of the 10-megawatt Gwayi-Shangani mini-hydro power station in Matabeleland North is progressing steadily, with civil works expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The power station is one of the key ancillary projects under the Gwayi-Shangani Lake development, a project first mooted in 1912 and now taking shape as part of Government's broader dam economy strategy.
Civil works at the mini-hydro station are currently 75 percent complete, with the installation of electro-mechanical equipment expected to commence in the next reporting year.
"With regard to the mini-hydro, we are currently at 75% completion. This is towards the civil works. We are looking at completing all the civil works within the current reporting year, with installation of electro-mechanicals to follow in the next reporting year," said Assistant Resident Engineer for the Gwayi-Shangani Lake Project, Engineer Joakim Banda.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo welcomed the progress, saying the project would have a significant impact on the province.
"We can see there is impressive progress on the power station, which will generate 10MW. Construction is going on smoothly and it's almost at roof level. With these kind of projects, Matabeleland North will never be the same again; we want to thank President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa for such projects," he said.
The Gwayi-Shangani development is part of Zimbabwe's dam economy strategy, which seeks to maximise the economic value of water infrastructure beyond its traditional role of water storage.
Under the strategy, dams are being developed to support irrigation, fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, recreation and power generation.
The designation of Matabeleland North as a Special Economic Zone for Energy, Tourism and Timber is also expected to unlock investment opportunities linked to these sectors.
The mini-hydro station is therefore expected to contribute to the province's power generation capacity while complementing the wider economic activities envisaged around the Gwayi-Shangani Lake development.
The power station is one of the key ancillary projects under the Gwayi-Shangani Lake development, a project first mooted in 1912 and now taking shape as part of Government's broader dam economy strategy.
Civil works at the mini-hydro station are currently 75 percent complete, with the installation of electro-mechanical equipment expected to commence in the next reporting year.
"With regard to the mini-hydro, we are currently at 75% completion. This is towards the civil works. We are looking at completing all the civil works within the current reporting year, with installation of electro-mechanicals to follow in the next reporting year," said Assistant Resident Engineer for the Gwayi-Shangani Lake Project, Engineer Joakim Banda.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo welcomed the progress, saying the project would have a significant impact on the province.
The Gwayi-Shangani development is part of Zimbabwe's dam economy strategy, which seeks to maximise the economic value of water infrastructure beyond its traditional role of water storage.
Under the strategy, dams are being developed to support irrigation, fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, recreation and power generation.
The designation of Matabeleland North as a Special Economic Zone for Energy, Tourism and Timber is also expected to unlock investment opportunities linked to these sectors.
The mini-hydro station is therefore expected to contribute to the province's power generation capacity while complementing the wider economic activities envisaged around the Gwayi-Shangani Lake development.
Source - zbc
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