Thermal hopes
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk
Written by Paul Ndlovu
Wednesday, 09 February 2011 15:32
BULAWAYO – Industries here are waiting for the resumption of the Bulawayo
Thermal Power station that is expected to start running this month.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) revealed that engineers
were busy testing the plant in anticipation for the generation of power. In
an interview with the Association for Business in Zimbabwe, Chief Executive
Officer, Lucky Mlilo expressed excitement over the latest development as it
was going to help local industries who have been hit hard by power cuts.
“As businesses we are certainly excited about the latest development. It’s
good for the local industry to have an uninterrupted supply of electricity,”
said Mlilo.
Reports also say that this investment is set to go a long way in reducing
the power woes that have affected domestic consumers.
The Bulawayo Thermal power station has not been operating for the last 11
years. Zimbabwe and Botswana signed a Memorandum of Understanding to
refurbish it in November 2009. The MoU stipulated that Botswana would pour
in US$10 million for the refurbishment and in return get 45 megawatts for
three years while the remainder was to supply Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is currently producing about 1 100 megawatts a day against a peak
daily demand of 2 100MW.