Staff Reporter
The Deka pipeline and waterworks upgrade, which was officially commissioned yesterday in Hwange, is set to significantly improve electricity generation by supplying water to the Hwange Unit 7 and 8 power stations.
This enhancement is expected to stabilize and increase the power supply, addressing one of the critical challenges in Zimbabwe's infrastructure and supporting the country's economic growth and development goals.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, emphasized the project’s critical role in the nation’s developmental objectives.
"Projects of this magnitude are essential. The Deka upgrade contributes directly to the government’s thrust towards attaining Vision 2030. It directly impacts power generation in the nation," Minister Moyo stated.
Financed by the Indian Government through the India Eximbank, the Deka waterworks upgrade not only aims to bolster the power stations but also to provide essential water resources for drinking, irrigation, and other uses for the local community.
This initiative aligns with the Second Republic's vision of establishing an upper-middle-income society by 2030, ensuring that no project is deemed complete until it directly benefits the citizens.
Outgoing Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Vijay Khanduja, expressed his delight at the successful completion of the project.
"This is a people-centred project, and in my 10 years of service, it brought me joy to see it completed," Khanduja remarked.
Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Puneet Kundall, highlighted the importance of the cooperative relationship between Zimbabwe and India.
"We are looking at even more significant projects between Zimbabwe and India. We are talking about projects that benefit our citizens," Kundall stated.
Development expert Gracious Pomerai said that the ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolized the success of the collaborative efforts between the Zimbabwean and Indian Governments.
“The project exemplifies robust South-to-South cooperation and shared commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens. In line with its economic growth objectives, the Second Republic has prioritized investments that deliver widespread benefits to the majority of Zimbabweans. The Deka waterworks upgrade stands as a testament to this commitment, providing crucial infrastructure that supports both power generation and local community needs,” said Pomerai.
As Zimbabwe moves towards achieving its Vision 2030 goals, projects like the Deka waterworks upgrade showcase the tangible benefits reaching communities nationwide.
The inclusive development strategy ensures that progress is broadly shared, allowing every citizen to experience the advantages of national growth and development.
