Harare – The Zimbabwe government has approved to partner India’s Jindal Private Limited to rehabilitate Hwange thermal power station units to increase power generation at a time when electricity cuts are rampant in the country.
”Cabinet considered and approved the Public-Private Partnership Project
between the Zimbabwe Power Company and Jindal (Private) Limited for
the Rehabilitation, Operation and Transfer of Hwange Power Station Units
1 to 6 and Auxiliaries,” cabinet said in a statement.
”The Public-Private Partnership Project between the Zimbabwe Power
Company and Jindal (Private) Limited is aimed at reviving Hwange Power
Station Units 1 to 6 and auxiliaries under a Rehabilitate, Operate and
Transfer Model.”
”Reviving Hwange Power Station’s first six units will benefit Zimbabwe by significantly increasing the national electricity supply, thereby
reducing load shedding and ensuring reliable power for industries and
households. Reliable power will enable sustained production, boost
industrial output, enhance economic activity and create jobs.”
The government said negotiations on refining the partnership project so that ‘it serves national interest.’
Zimbabwe is experiencing electricity cuts known as load shedding that goes to more than 12 hours a day.
The country struggles to produce 2100 MW to meet the industrial and domestic electricity requirements.
On Monday Zimbabwe produced 1400 MW with Hwange thermal power station producing 1000 MW and Kariba hydro power station 400 MW.