Zimpapers Logo

– Five local companies subcontracted

Prosper Ndlovu Business Editor
MORE than 500 people have been employed by five local companies subcontracted in the on-going Kariba South hydro power plant expansion project, four months after commencement.The 300MW project, valued at more than $500 million, was officially commissioned by President Robert Mugabe last September and is expected to be complete by March 2018.

The Kariba Hydro Power Station was built in 1962 and presently produces 750MW of electricity after refurbishment from a previous 666MW capacity.

Sino Hydro was awarded the tender for the new project, which is part of the mega infrastructure development deals the President clinched during his visit to China last year.

Yesterday the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), which is in charge of the project, said significant progress had been registered on site and locals were already enjoying the benefits.

“The contractors draw all their unskilled labour from the local community, and to date 533 personnel are employed on the project with the number expected to top 700 when the project activities reach their peak,” said ZPC in a statement.

The power utility said developments since November have “significantly alleviated unemployment” in Kariba and brought much needed disposable income into the local community.

“The local business community has equally benefited from the project. To date there are five local companies subcontracted by Sino Hydro, ranging from transportation of construction materials, to construction of offices and other project support services.

“The number will increase as the project progresses and will no doubt throw a lifeline to the business community,” ZPC added.

The development of a robust energy infrastructure and job creation is at the heart of the government’s five-year blueprint, Zim-Asset (2013-18), which is anchored on transforming lives and bringing sound economic growth.

Sino Hydro has also been awarded the 600MW Hwange units 7 and 8 expansion tender valued at $1.5 million.

Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge recently said the government was finalising financing of the project, which is also expected to kick off soon.

The two major power projects will inject 1.000MW to the national grid and go a long way towards easing power cuts.

At present Zimbabwe generates an average of 1.400MW against an estimated demand of 2.200MW with the deficit being explained by power imports and biting load shedding.

Industrialists blame incessant power cuts for suffocating improved domestic production and repelling potential investors.

ZPC said significant progress had been made at the Kariba South extension project covering over 100 metres below the southern slope.

This includes a labyrinth of tunnels and cavities comprising permanent and temporary accesses, water intake and outlet tunnels plus the power house.

Surface and underground explosions and blasting operations have become a daily fixture as workers get busy on the task, said ZPC.

The Kariba community has not only benefited from employment but from other corporate social responsibility contributions from the project.

ZPC, in collaboration with the local council, are in the process of renovating Nyamhunga Stadium in a bid to bring it to PSL standards.

The stadium will be the home ground for the local football outfit, ZPC Kariba, once renovations have been completed.