The Zambezi River Authority has disclosed that it is finalizing preparatory activities for the implementation of the 2400 Mega Watts Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES) whose dam site is located 47km downstream of the Victoria Falls to benefit both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Zambezi River Authority Water Resources and Environmental Management Director, Engineer Christopher Chisense who Spoke on behalf of the Authority’s Chief Executive Engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa said as part of efforts to ensure sustainable implementation of this multi-billion-dollar hydro power project a broad range of specialist studies have been undertaken.
“A draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report has since been developed and is currently undergoing disclosure to interested and affected stakeholders as well as the general public for them to provide comments and concerns regarding the planned development of the scheme,” he revealed.
Eng. Chisense revealed that stakeholders engaged during the disclosure process have expressed optimism that the 2400MW BGHES will bring about social and economic benefits for the peoples of the two Republics, especially the host communities.
He further disclosed that the Authority working with local Authorities and host communities in the two countries is currently rolling out a similar programme for the communities affected by the development of the Kariba Dam project called the Zambezi Valley Development Fund (ZVDF).
“This programme, whose objective is to transform the lives of the host communities has been supporting the implementation of community infrastructure projects such as building of schools, health facilities, drilling boreholes and supporting agricultural initiatives,” he said
He said the Authority foresees major economic benefits which will positively impact the two countries and generate revenue of over USD$750 million annually which will enhance the GDP of the two Contracting States,” he said.