Indian ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Rungsung Masukui has expressed his government’s commitment towards the successful completion of current and planned energy projects in particular the US$48 million Deka Pipeline Upgrade Scheme which is critical in the execution of the US$1.1 billion Hwange Expansion Project.
The Indian government has been instrumental in facilitating several current and planned energy projects in the country which include the US$120 million Bulawayo Thermal Power Plant refurbishment, the US$450 million Hwange Recovery Plan and Life Expansion as well as the 30mw Gairesi Hydro Power Project.
Officiating at the inauguration event of the WAPCOS plant optimisation programme held in Hwange, Mr Masukui said his country stands ready to support Zimbabwe’s energy sector including the Deka Pipeline Project which supplies cooling water for Hwange power plant.
“Zimbabwe and India cooperation is based on mutual respect and friendship. The Deka Pipeline Project remains critical to Hwange expansion. We are going to tender and hope that implementation will start soon on this project,” said Mr Masukui.
Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) Acting Managing Director Mr Patrick Chiwaura said the Deka Water Pipeline Project will be critical in satisfying the requirements of the two 300mw units under the Hwange Expansion Project.
“Deka project is critical; we are putting an expansion next to existing plant. The current pipeline was designed for the existing plant. We are appealing to all stakeholders so that we are realise the fulfillment of this new line,” Mr Chiwaura said.
The ZPC boss also expressed gratitude to the Indian government for facilitating the WAPCOS plant optimisation training programme.
The training programme is meant to capacitate ZPC technicians and engineers on how to enhance plant efficiency and in the process prolong the life of the plant.
Principal Energy Officer in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development Mrs Lucy Mabuwa said the government of Zimbabwe is grateful to Indian government for assisting the country in meeting national power demand and improving operational efficiency of existing power plants.
“we are grateful to the Indian government for supporting us to revamp our energy sector. India has been involved in a number of power projects here in Zimbabwe. We hope this partnership will continue as we seek to achieve economic transformation,” said Mrs Mabuwa.
Delegates who graced the inauguration event who include the ZPC board and management also had a tour of the Hwange Expansion Project site and plant where the contractor Sino Hydro is currently carrying out detailed geo-technical survey.
