Masvingo set to generate 22 MW from its two major ...

Masvingo set to generate 22 MW from its two major dams

Zim Now Writer

Masvingo Province is set to launch hydro-power projects on its two main dams — Tugwi-Mukosi and Mutirikwi — a senior government official has said.

Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira said the province should benefit from the resources at its disposal.

“The one which we are looking forward to soon that will contribute to electricity supply in Masvingo is the hydropower generation at Tugwi-Mukosi.

“On that hydropower generation; we are looking forward to about 17 megawatts which are going to be generated from that project.

“We have another one at Mutirikwi, which will produce five megawatts of electricity and is going to add to Tugwi-Mukosi production.

“So, it means with the capacity needed in Masvingo Province, we will have enough electricity if those two projects are going to work,” he said.

Masvingo’s cumulative power demand currently stands at an average of 23MW of electricity.

The minister further said: “If we produce electricity from those two dams, it means we have enough and we are able to sell to other provinces as we have the devolution aspect that each province is going to raise its gross domestic product.”

Adequate power will be critical in the resuscitation of irrigation schemes which will benefit the people from the province.

“We are earmarking about 70 000 hectares, with the new irrigation schemes, looking at the Kilimanjaro expansion, Buffalo Range, Chilonga among other schemes around the province,” he said.

Zimbabwe has been experiencing, like its southern African neighbours, an acute energy crisis, owing to low water levels on Lake Kariba and antiquated equipment at the Hwange Thermal Power Station.

Kariba traditionally produces nearly 70% of the nation’s electricity but dropped significantly towards the end of last year.