The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Council of Ministers has reiterated its commitment to ensure Zambia and Zimbabwe draw equal social and economic benefits, from the development of the US$4.5 billion Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES).
Outgoing ZRA Council of Ministers Chairman, who is also Zimbabwean Minister of Energy and Power Development, Soda Zhemu, informed his Zambian counterpart Mathew Nkhuwa that mutual benefits will also be extended to other projects under the authority’s water storage infrastructure development plans covering other dam sites located along the stretch of the Zambezi River.
Mr. Zhemu noted that the two sister republics shared various projects on the Zambezi River along the stretch that formed a border between the two countries.
He said this yesterday during the 38th virtual Council of Ministers Meeting (COM) which was attended by Energy Minister Mathew Nkhuwa, Finance Minister Bwalya N’gandu, Attorney General Likando Kalaluka and other senior government officials from both countries.
Mr. Zhemu said it was particularly reassuring to learn that apart from introducing over 4,000 direct and 6,000 in-direct jobs, the project would generate revenue of over US$750 million annually.
“This US$750 annual target will consequently enhance the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), of the two contracting states in addition to empowering our people,” he said.
And Mr. Zhemu stressed the need for establishment of additional water storage and power generation infrastructure under the 2,400 MW BGHES.
“In addition to ensuring the continued existence and safe operation of Kariba Dam, you will agree with me that of paramount interest to the two contracting states is the development of additional water storage and power generation infrastructure under the 2,400MW BGHES,” he said.
Earlier, Energy Minister Mathew Nkhuwa said the Meeting was important as it helped to guide the operations of the Zambia River Authority which was jointly owned by Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Mr, Nkhuwa said the Authority was key for both countries as it spearheaded efforts to harness the social and economic benefits presented by the Zambezi River.
The ZRA Council of Minister’s Meeting was held to get updates on activities under the Zambezi Valley Development Fund; and to receive progress reports on the implementation of various projects aimed at enhancing the livelihood and well-being of communities displaced during the construction of Kariba Dam.
This year, Zimbabwe through Mr Zhemu is handing over chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers to his Zambian counterpart, Mr. Nkhuwa.
WHY IS TAKING LONG TO START IMPLEMENTING THIS HUGE PROJECT GIVEN THE URGENT NEED OF POWER BY BOTH COUNRIES? OR SHOULD WE ASSUME THAT BOTH COUNTRIES ARE ALMOST BROKE TO MEET THEIR OBLIGATIONS?
How can you waste money on hydroelectric energy when its not that reliable?
That’s what projects are to meant for…benefiting the people.. well done
With a national debt of $27 billion(plus another $1.5 billion from Glencore) , how can the PF even think of such a project.
The PF and ECL have totally messed up our economy.
We are so proud of ECL. We are in no mood to replace it with UPND’s government!
Better roads, clean drinking water, zero load shedding, and more foreign investment…This is called true development of a country. Lungu’s government will win again in the August elections for sure!
The Energy Minister informed that the Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station is expected to be fully functional by March 2021 adding over 720 MW of power to the grid. He promised that the load shedding will be solved forever by coming March.
Currently, there are several projects happing… I am sure that within 2-3 years, the country’s development will be on next level.
Don’t know why few dull supporters of Hichilema didn’t see such development of the nation and cries over fake news by opposition UPND.
Even if we praise ECL 1000 times, it won’t be enough. It is working so hard just to benefit millions of Zambians.
I think this is a smart move by the government to Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme as it will equally benefit both the countries, socially and economically. Plus more projects could be initiate through this scheme.
On one side, UPND leader HH is busy spreading rumors and targeting President Lungu and the government. And, on another side, Lungu’s government is unbothered and busy initiating development schemes in the country.
Slow claps on those people who said that Zambia is facing a debt crisis and it will never grow economically. I think the PF government gave a tight slap to those people…
Dear me
Sad
The pf government has been working and developing the nation from day one.
The truth be told. Pf government has worked and no one can take that away from them. Big ups