The Sunday Mail
Livingstone Marufu
THE Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority says the country’s energy situation has improved after settling a US$43 million Eskom debt and improving generation at Hwange Thermal Power Station.
Zimbabwe is using an average of 1 610MW daily, with 350MW imported from South Africa’s Eskom and Hidroelectrica de Cahora Bassa of Mozambique.
The notable increase in local power generation to an average of 1 260MW daily from 1 020MW in January 2017 is attributable to refurbishment and maintenance of Hwange units, which upped generation to 530MW from an average of 329MW daily.
Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira told The Sunday Mail Business that, “The improved power supply situation that has resulted in no load shedding since December 2015 is mainly as a result of the availability of the generation plants and imports.
“Hwange and the small thermals are able to contribute on the average 530MW, with Kariba and the imports closing the deficit gap.
“We are also now having favourable long-term agreements in place with Eskom.”
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and Zesa struck a deal to liquidate arrears to Eskom in four months, averting potentially ruinous power cuts.
It was agreed that Eskom would not cut off its 300MW megawatts to Zimbabwe until and unless the country violated the agreement.
Mr Gwasira said: “The two utilities are engaging on power supply related issues and Zesa Holdings has demonstrated its willingness to meet the obligations of the contract, which Eskom has appreciated and taken on board hence the current normalisation of relations.
“Issues relating to bilateral arrangement need both parties’ consent for disclosure. Regarding the import contract, it suffices to say that the evidence of good trading relationship is testimony to the fact that some payments are being made to the satisfaction of Eskom.
“Every effort is being directed at recovering debt from customers and making the necessary payment for the power imported.
It is hoped that customers will play their part in settling debt accrued and that our various customers who are assisting with forex continue to support us.”
Hwange’s Unit 6 is undergoing a major overhaul and is expected online in August this year.
The Kariba South Hydro Extension Project is 85 percent complete and on course for commissioning of Unit 7 by the end of the year.
Fundraising for the Hwange expansion project is underway, with Government and the Zimbabwe Power Company – a Zesa subsidiary – finalising conditions precedent for a loan drawdown from China Eximbank.
