THE Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) is making significant strides in advancing the Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Scheme, a key project aimed at boosting energy production in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Project is a proposed dam on the Zambezi River, located about 54km downstream of Victoria Falls, straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The project is expected to have an installed capacity of approximately 1 600 megawatts, with the potential to significantly increase energy supply in both countries.
The scheme involves constructing a 181-metre-high arch dam, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of about 1,680 million cubic metres.
“The authority remains committed to a transparent, technically sound and environmentally responsible development process as preparations for the project continue,” ZRA said.
This week, ZRA hosted AFRY Switzerland Limited, the firm tasked with updating the project’s Engineering Feasibility Studies and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
The AFRY team has been engaging stakeholders in both contracting States, ensuring inclusive consultation and alignment with national priorities.
They also conducted site visits to the bottom of the gorge, gaining valuable insights into the proposed dam construction location, geological conditions and environmental sensitivities.
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“These activities are essential in ensuring that the updated feasibility and ESIA outputs are grounded in current data, field observations, fully responsive to the conditions set by the national environmental regulators and stakeholder input, while meeting global standards on sustainability, safety and social responsibility,” ZRA added.
The project was initially awarded to General Electric and Power Construction Corporation of China, but has since been subject to retendering.
Originally set to commence in 2020, it has faced multiple setbacks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges in obtaining financial backing.
