Government is forging ahead with the implementation of the US$1,5 billion Hwange Thermal Power Station 7 and 8 expansion project in Matabeleland North province, which is now 80,2 percent complete and is set to impact positively on the wider economy.Earlier projection indicates the giant power project would likely see the two units coming on board by July and September this year respectively, which will significantly boost the national grid and thereby ease the biting electricity supply gap.ZESA Holdings is implementing the Hwange Expansion project, which is set to increase the national electricity supply by 600MW.Its scope of work entails the construction of 2 x 300 units at Hwange Power Station, and power evacuation transmission and distribution infrastructure.In remarks on Friday during the handover of new Epping Forest homesteads by the power utility to families who have been affected by the construction of the new 400kv transmission line, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, said more progress has been achieved in the project besides delays occasioned by the Covid-19 disruptive impact.“The national project officially commenced on the 1st of August 2018 and is now 80,2 percent complete,” he said.“The transmission infrastructure requires a wayleave of 60m, which is traversing from Hwange at Hwange B Substation to Bulawayo’s at Insukamini Substation. From here the lines connect to Marvel Substation all in Bulawayo.“The transmission line is passing through built up areas which have to be relocated to allow for the 60m wayleave.
