BUSINESS REPORTER
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) is in the hunt for a technical advisor for the development of the US$4 billion Batoka hydroelectric scheme which will generate 2 400MW to be shared equally by Zimbabwe and Zambia currently grappling with power outages.
ZRAis a corporate body jointly owned by Zimbabwe and Zambia and is mandated with the management of the Kariba complex and stretch of the
Zambezi River (from Kazungula to Kanyemba) forming a common border
between the two contracting states.
In an expression of interest notice, ZRA said the technical advisor will assist with contract negotiations with the developer.
“The consultant will be expected to participate in all contract negotiations with the developer and offer technical advice to Zambezi River Authority, ZESCO Limited and ZESA Holdings,” ZRA said.
The advisor is also expected to provide technical advisory services during project construction which include civil, hydro-mechanical, electro mechanical and transmission and distribution infrastructure works during construction and follow up of ZARA, ZESCO and ZESA Holdings’ training of staff by the developer.
The hydro project has been given top priority under the Programme for
Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), a continental initiative to build transboundary infrastructure projects to aid regional integration.
PIDA is the brainchild of the African Union Commission in partnership with the African Development Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa and African Union development agency, AUDA-NEPAD.
Zimbabwe and Zambia are currently battling with power cuts of 18 hours and 8 hours respectively due to low water levels at Kariba dam.
The Batoka puts both nations in a stable and resilient position with regard to improved power supplies and reserves, competitive cost of electricity, security and reliability of supplies and availability of electricity for new and energy intensive investments such as smelters.
The project is expected to take the renewable energy sources in electricity from 42% to 80% thereby moving the nations towards a compliance position with regard to CO2 emissions performance.
PIDA is divided into three phases–short term (2012-2020), medium term (2021-2030) and long-term (2031-2040. PIDA covers four sectors—transport, energy, Information and Communication Technology and transboundary water projects.
