ZETDC works on increasing Beitbridge electricity supply

THE Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) is working on constructing a bigger substation to supply electricity to Beitbridge and a poly clinic.

ZETDC system development manager, Engineer Ikhupuleng Dube said during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in the border town that the 132 kilovolt substation presently available was not enough to cater for the town’s growth in the last two decades.

He said the projects were part of the company’s social responsibility initiative.

“The town falls under the route where we will be constructing a 400 kilovolt (KV) power transmission line from Triangle to Beitbridge. The power line will cut across the Limpopo into South Africa, “he said.

“The support we are rendering to the communities and local authorities is in line with the government’s policy on food security and the provision of portable water.

“At the moment we have a 132kv sub station and we want to build another bigger station in line with the town’s rapid growth.

“The Beitbridge West station is part of our efforts to foster development in this border town.

“The initiative is also part of our company policy to give back to communities in which we construct our infrastructure,” he said.

With nearly 73 000 people, Beitbridge has one referral hospital, a council owned clinic and four private clinics.

Furthermore, there are more than 3 000 un-electrified properties mainly in Dulivhadzimo North, where there is rapid property development.

Eng Dube said they would also fund the construction of a water reservoir and a new primary school in Beitbridge town.