Hwange Power Station expansion project kicks off

CONSTRUCTION of the $1,4 billion Hwange Expansion Project for Unit 7 and 8 has started in earnest with the laying of the foundation at Hwange Power Station yesterday.

Sinohydro is undertaking the expansion project in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC).

The two companies have formed the Hwange Electricity Supply Company implement the project.

Speaking during a tour of the facility yesterday, the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Dr Joram Gumbo, said work is on schedule.

“May I hasten to say since the inception of the expansion works, the project has seen considerable progress on the ground and is on schedule.

“Today marks an important milestone. The process of laying the foundation signifies the commencement of real construction works in a (HESCO) to journey that will take us to the promised land of security of electricity supply as we set our sights towards the successful implementation of Vision 2030 which will transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle class economy,” said Dr Gumbo.

He said the expansion project is a key economic enabler as it would positively impact on the economy through employment of in excess of 3 000 people and enhance skills transfer.

Already 450 people from around Hwange have been employed.

Dr Gumbo said the project would reduce electricity imports and save foreign currency.

Yesterday workmen poured the first load of concrete for the plant footing to mark the start of construction work, with 38 percent of work set to be completed by year end.

Eight percent of the initial work has been done and the contractor targets to complete the other 30 percent by December.

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