PROGRESS ON CONSTRUCTION OF $5 BILLION BATOKA GORGE PROJECT HINDERED BY ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND PROCUREMENT ISSUES

Energy Minister Peter Kapala says progress on the construction of the $5 billion Batoka Gorge Project was hindered by environmental concerns and procurement issues that arose during the initial stages of development.

In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Kapala says transparency issues marred the initial tendering process, which prompted a decision to restart the process to select a project developer this year.

Mr. Kapala also explains that last year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization –UNESCO-granted permission for the construction of the project although it had faced delays primarily due to environmental concerns regarding the impact on the Victoria Falls.

He says currently, both Zambia and Zimbabwe are working on accelerating the construction of the power project following approval from UNESCO.

Mr. Kapala is confident that the new transparent tendering process would facilitate the timely commencement of the project and help to alleviate the energy crisis currently affecting Zambia and Zimbabwe.