Zim In Talks With Zambia, Mozambique Over Electricity Supply

Zimbabwe is negotiating with Zambia and Mozambique to secure electricity imports to augment the 400 MW being supplied by South Africa’s Eskom and the little being produced locally at Kariba and Hwange.

Speaking to reporters during a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said that her Energy counterpart, Fortune Chasi has engaged the country’s eastern and northern neighbour. Said Mutsvangwa:

The minister (Chasi) also advised Cabinet that discussions with HCB of Mozambique and Zesco of Zambia for the provision of additional power imports are on-going.

The minister expressed hope that the discussions will soon be concluded, thereby further improving the electricity supply situation in the country.

The country has been in the throes of unprecedented power cuts due to low water levels at Kariba Dam, the site of a hydropower plant, which is by far the most reliable source of power for Zimbabwe.

While authorities blame a drought for the low water levels, some analysts claim that water was depleted quickly due to overuse.

Hwange Thermal Power Stations experiences intermittent breakdowns and cannot be relied upon. Currently, there are three electricity units that have broken down at the station.

More: NewsDay