Staff Reporter
The Government has made significant progress in the implementation of key national projects which include the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors.
Speaking at the 21st Post Cabinet Press Briefing yesterday, acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Mswere said there is significant progress on the Hwange 7 and 8 expansion project which is currently at 90% completion, while Kanyemba is at 98%.
The expansion project, once complete, is expected to add 600 megawatts to the national grid.
“The Hwange 7 and 8 expansion project which will add an additional 600 megawatts to the national grid is 90% complete and on course to meet deadlines. The Kanyemba project which targets the construction of the 30.5 km of a high voltage line and 3.1 km of a medium voltage line and installation of 3.1 km of a medium voltage line and installation of 12 substations to power 21 institutions is now 98 % complete,” he said.
Minister Mswere said the power cuts experienced throughout the country in the previous week were attributed to the collapse of Unit 1 at the Kariba Power Station which produces 125 megawatts.
Furthermore, the lithium processing plant at Sabi Star Mine is said to be at 45% complete with its full completion expected in January 2023.
“The lithium processing plant at Sabi Star Mine in Buhera is now 45% complete with the project on schedule for completion in January 2023. Construction of copper processing plant at Alaska in Mashonaland west province has been completed as scheduled,” said Minister Mswere.
He further outlined the progress in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development saying that the administration offices and laboratory for the Beitbridge Border Post Upgrading and Modernization Project were 95% complete, adding that the Ministry is now working on completing the North and South Wings of the Terminal Building at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Minister Mswere said the earthworks for the construction of the targeted section of the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho road have been completed, leaving total progress at 65%. He stressed that progress in the implementation of national key projects was essential as the nation journeys towards attaining an Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030.
