Story by Stanley James, Business Editor

More power generation projects are being lined up as Zimbabwe forges ahead with measures to improve the electricity supply in the country.      

Data released by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) this Tuesday shows an improvement in power generation, with output currently 1071 megawatts against a national target of 1800 megawatts.

During this Tuesday’s post-cabinet media briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted several projects that are being implemented to further boost power generation in the country.

“The Minister of Energy and Power Development, Honourable Zhemu Soda reported progress recorded on the projects under his purview as follows: 100 per cent synchronisation of Unit 7 under Hwange Power Station 7 and 8 expansion project in Matabeleland North province has been achieved. Unit 7 is already adding 300 MW to the national grid,” she noted.

“The rehabilitation of Alaska – Karoi ( 132kv) power transmission project in Mashonaland West Province has reached 40 per cent completion, Bush clearing and wayleave and supply of 9,2 km of the 33kv transmission line to supply Mashumi Primary and Secondary Schools and Mashuma Business Centre in Hurungwe District in Mash West is also underway,” she said.      

The Engineering Council of Zimbabwe believes completion and full implementation of the projects will help ease power challenges.   

Engineering Council of Zimbabwe chief executive officer Engineer Ben Rafemoyo said, “There is a need to upscale project monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the projects are completed and can add value towards solving power supply constraints, basically the council appreciates and welcome current measures by the government to address power shortages.” 

Power generation is an important element of economic growth, with this year’s growth forecasts set at 3,8 per cent.