Source: Glassblock Dam and pipeline project gathers momentum – herald
Zimpapers Correspondent
A DELEGATION from the African Development Bank (AfDB) is expected in the country from tomorrow to Friday to engage stakeholders on the Bopoma Glassblock Dam and Pipeline Project, which is now gathering momentum following renewed support and facilitation by the Government as part of broader efforts to strengthen water infrastructure development in Matabeleland province.
The project is being advanced as a strategic water security initiative. It is aimed at improving long-term water supply for Bulawayo and surrounding areas, while also unlocking private sector and development finance institution participation in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure.
The AfDB is scheduled to engage stakeholders on the project’s technical, commercial, environmental, social and financing aspects.
The mission, which will be led by division manager (water security, south and eastern Africa) Mr Mecuria Assefaw, follows the bank’s recent expression of interest in supporting construction of the dam and pipeline, alongside other potential financiers, reflecting growing investor confidence.
It will also meet officials of the relevant Government ministries, as well as agencies such as the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority, the Bulawayo City Council, project sponsors from the JR Goddard Consortium, local financial institutions and other strategic partners involved in the project development process.
“Discussions will focus on project structuring, financing arrangements, environmental and social safeguards, implementation requirements and the proposed water purchase agreement, which is expected to form a key component of the project’s bankability,” said a statement released on Friday.
The Government has continued to play a supportive and enabling role in facilitating engagement between the project sponsors, financiers, development partners and other stakeholders.
This includes supporting discussions around off-take arrangements, institutional coordination and the broader framework required to mobilise investment into critical water infrastructure.
Complementary to the ongoing development of Lake Gwayi-Shangani and pipeline project, the Bopoma Glassblock Dam and Pipeline Project is expected to contribute to the medium-term water security, economic resilience and regional development of Matabeleland, supporting urban, industrial, commercial and wider socio-economic needs.
The upcoming AfDB mission represents an important step in advancing structured engagements on the project.
While the mission forms part of the broader project preparation and financing process, any further development of the project will remain subject to the completion of the required technical, commercial, environmental, legal and financing due diligence processes.
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