Gwayi-Shangani mini hydro power plant on course

Story by Mhlomuli Ncube

CONSTRUCTION of the 10-megawatt Gwayi-Shangani mini-hydro power plant is on course, with contractors now laying pipes that will pump water from the dam wall.

The mini-hydro power plant is part of the Gwayi Shangani Lake project, which is expected to end Bulawayo’s water woes and create a green belt around the area.

The 252-kilometre pipeline will also pass through different locations that will host six pumping stations and other ancillary components.

“We are working on the mini hydro power where electricity will be generated. We are laying pipes from the dam wall to the plant then we also have our permanent access road where we have completed all excavations and we are also doing more excavations for the pipeline that will be drawing water from the dam,” said ZINWA Chief Technician, Shumirai Mudyanevana.

The government is upbeat the project will be completed according to schedule.

“We hope to get more funds from treasury to complete outstanding works. The dam wall is almost complete, the hydropower plant construction has also seen a lot of progress, we also expect funds to be disbursed for that work soon, and the contractor has also started working on pump stations number 2 and 3,” said Mat North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Richard Moyo.

One of the Second Republic’s flagship projects, the Gwayi-Shangani Lake is expected to be a game changer for Bulawayo water supply and irrigation in Matebeleland North province, among other benefits.