Published: 28 July 2017

The Kariba South expansion project is at 91 percent complete amid indications that the first phase of the project will bring 150 mega watts on the national grid by December this year.

The successful implementation of the project will be a major boost to the local power generation capacity which is being complimented by imports of up to 350 mega watts.

The half a billion project will see the addition of two more units that is 7 and 8 with each generating 150 mega watts combined with the existing units which have an installed capacity of 750 mega watts.

Minister of Energy and Power Development, Dr Samuel Undenge said the plant is at 91 percent expressing optimism the first phase will come on stream by December.

While the first phase is set for commissioning in December, the second phase will be completed by the first quarter of next year which cements government's commitment towards implementing key infrastructure projects.

Under the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZIM ASSET), the energy projects come under the infrastructure and utilities cluster and the completion of the project is critical for economic transformation.

Energy is a key enabler for economic growth as the local manufacturing industry depends on availability of power.
- zbc

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