Tlou’s power line delayed

Tlou Energy’s construction of a 66kv transmission line to connect its Lesedi Project to the Botswana Power Corporation grid at Serowe has fallen slightly behind schedule, although the company is still confident of meeting the mid-2023 completion target date. In an update this week, Tlou managing director, Anthony Gilby since the start of construction in April, overall progress was at 11%, behind the target of 17%. The delays have been caused by factors such as slower than expected bush clearing, delays in line pegging and inspection due to the presence of other services such as water pipelines and delays in the delivery of some components. He said discussions were required with the BPC about an 11kV line that has been built across the Tlou 66kV right of way, but this was unlikely to cause further delays as other parts of construction could continue while the issue was resolved. Gilby said while the gap in the construction targets could be recovered in the coming months, procurement, and other issues outside Tlou’s control could delay the project further and investors would be advised if necessary.