The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has recently announced the completion of the review on the feasibility study for the Batoka Hydropower Station. The study focused on the demo structure, power house, and capacity output of the hydropower project. According to ZRA CEO Munyaradzi Munodawafa, the authority is now awaiting the second phase of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The finalization of the study and the EIA is expected to be finished by the first quarter of 2015.
Consultants are currently engaged in various processes related to the project. Once these processes are completed, a project committee will visit the site this month. This committee includes senior government officials, utilities, and representatives from ZRA. Following these visits and assessments, ZRA will select the developer for the Batoka Hydropower Station. This will allow the authority to determine the actual value of the project.
The Batoka Hydropower Station is a joint venture between Zambia and Zimbabwe, with an estimated cost of around US$4 billion. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this project was signed during the council of ministers held in Siavonga.
The completion of the feasibility study review marks an important milestone in the progress of the Batoka Hydropower Station. This project has the potential to significantly boost power generation in the region and support economic development.
