Source: ‘Utilise strategic economic assets’ – herald
Mukudzei Chingwere in Masvingo
Strategic national economic assets should be exploited fully to maximise their contribution to economic development, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga said after touring the 5MW mini-hydropower plant at Mutirikwi Dam.
The Vice President is in Masvingo this week on a tour of strategic economic projects and yesterday made four stops at Mutirikwi hydropower plant, Sponge Iron Mining and Beneficiation Industries (SIMBI), road infrastructure developments along the Beitbridge-Masvingo and Masvingo Provincial Hospital.
During his visit to the power plant, the Vice President received updates about the ramping up of production, to enhance the hydropower output from released irrigation water, which currently feeds 5MW into the national grid.
Once the proposed expansion projects are completed, this capacity is expected to increase to 20MW by reusing released water in downstream turbines before the water reaches the farmers. The scheme uses the almost continuous release of water for irrigation to run the power station, so the water has a double benefit.
Vice President Chiwenga said that if every dam contributes even a small amount to hydropower, Zimbabwe could significantly boost its energy production and implored leveraging national assets to encompass all sectors, not just dams.
“The energy project at Mutirikwi Dam was completed, a 5MW plant funded by the public servant pension fund, Old Mutual and other local funds have invested in this project,” said VP Chiwenga.
“We see the private sector actively contributing to the country’s development, and interestingly, they plan to replicate this 5 MW model down the Mutirikwi to establish three more plants of similar capacity.
“This stretch will produce a total of 20MW, and if we implement similar projects at all our dams, we will achieve a well-rounded mix of our energy requirements.
“What we want is for all strategic national economic assets to be fully used to potential and to maximise on their contribution to economic development,” he said.
Speaking after touring SIMBI, the Vice President said, “There are many innovative ideas that are now being realised and implemented.
“We visited steelmakers this morning, who have brought in new equipment. In two years, they said, they will further process their steel to produce additional steel products, and we are quite pleased with this progress.
“We also observed the infrastructure developments taking place. The bridges being constructed over the Mucheke River will expand that route to eight lanes, enhancing the road from Beitbridge to Masvingo.
“An interchange is also under construction, which is expected to be completed by August,” he said
He also talked of the importance of finishing upgrades at Masvingo Provincial Hospital.
“Masvingo Provincial Hospital, which also serves as a teaching institution for Simon Mazorodze Medical School, the first phase of renovations is underway,” said VP Chiwenga.
“We urge that the refurbishment of the hospital be expedited.”
The post ‘Utilise strategic economic assets’ appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.