National

Binga villagers panic as gigantic Shangani-Gwayi Dam nears completion

Published

3 years ago

November 10, 2021

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Hundreds of villagers from Binga’s Lubimbi area say they are facing an uncertain future as the government is keeping them in the dark about the construction of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, which will displace them.

The gigantic dam being constructed on the confluence of two major rivers in Matabeleland North – Gwayi and Shangani – will have a holding capacity of 650 million cubic metres of water.

It is a central component of the long-awaited Zambezi Water Project that is touted as a permanent solution to Bulawayo’s perennial water shortages and the Chinese contractor says the dam will be completed by end of this year.

Lubimbi villagers, who are estimated to be over 2 500, say even though the dam is nearing competition the government has not shared any information about their imminent relocation or progress on the construction of the dam despite its far-reaching impact on their future.

The panicking villagers have since written to the Binga rural district council chief executive officer Joshua Muzamba demanding answers about their proposed relocation and the fate of infrastructure around the Lubimbi area that would be affected by the dam.

In the letter by their lawyer Jabulani Mhlanga from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, the Lubimbi villagers they only became aware of the construction of the dam in December 2019 through the grapevine.

The villagers say the have since then been seeking information about the dam and their relocation from relevant government departments without any success.

“According to our clients, Chiboni and Magani villages with at least 500 to 600 households and a population of more than 2 500 people and 2 000 herd of cattle are likely to be relocated,” reads part of the letter by Mhlanga.

“About 1 506 hectares of land, Lubimbi Number2 Primary School with a yearly enrolment of about 300 students, community projects such as cattle pens, a dip tank (and) 16 boreholes just to mention a few will be lost.”

The letter added: “Access to the local clinic and Lubimbi High School will be a challenge.

“All these services are critical to the wellbeing of the Lubimbi community.

“Further, cultural sites, being the burial sites and a rain making shrine, which is important to the Tonga community in Lubimbi will also be lost.

“We state all these to highlight the grave concerns our clients have.”

The community argued that they are being forced to rely on the media when seeking information about the construction of the dam.

They demanded a response within seven days.

The letter was also copied to the provincial environment manager and the district coordinator.

The government has remained mum about the relocation of people that would be displaced by the dam whose construction began during the Robert Mugabe era.

National

Zimbabwe’s power crisis: A new dawn?

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to alleviate the crippling load shedding that has left Zimbabweans frustrated and angry, ZESA Holdings chairman Sydney Gata has announced a 720-megawatt thermal power project.

This ambitious initiative aims to add much-needed megawatts to the national grid, bringing relief to households and businesses alike.

Speaking at the launch, Gata acknowledged the nation’s pain, saying, “I know you are angry and frustrated about the load shedding. I am tired of being insulted for these power cuts.”he was quoted at a video captured by the Ministry of Information.

His words echoed the sentiments of many Zimbabweans who have grown weary of the constant blackouts.

The project, set to be completed by December 2025, will be complemented by a 200-megawatt solar station and additional solar projects in Selous and Gweru.

This multi-pronged approach is expected to mark the end of load shedding in Zimbabwe.

Gata emphasized that this initiative is one of 18 projects spearheaded by companies in mining, industry, and commerce.

These projects were invited after the Kariba disaster, which highlighted the need for alternative power sources.

National

Victoria Falls mayor suspends town clerk amid corruption allegations

Published

2 days ago

December 2, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Prince Moyo has suspended Town Clerk Ronnie Dube with immediate effect amid allegations of abuse of office and corruption.

According to a letter seen by this publication, Dube’s suspension is in terms of Section 139 of the Urban Councils Act, Chapter 29:15.

The letter, dated November 2, outlines several allegations against Dube, including:

– Allocating stands 9816 and 9945 to Priscilla Thabolo and Portia Saritsozo without following Council procedures

– Awarding a contract to Cascade Engineering Consultants without following tender processes

– Selling and transferring stand 1829 in Chinotimba Township without receiving payment or following procedures

The letter states that these allegations, amongst others, have led to Dube’s suspension, and he is required to leave Council offices immediately.

“The Council will notify you on the way forward,” the letter reads.

This publication will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

National

How long will Zimbabweans endure darkness?

Published

3 days ago

December 2, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY FARAI MACHAMIRE

Zimbabweans face at least two more years of power shortages as the government works to stabilize electricity generation and meet demand, the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, has revealed.

The country’s daily power generation currently averages 1,232 megawatts (MW) against a demand of 1,735 MW, with imports and load-shedding bridging the shortfall.

Speaking in Parliament (Senate) on Wednesday and quoted on ZimLive, Moyo painted a grim picture of the nation’s energy landscape but assured citizens that ongoing and upcoming projects would eventually close the gap.

“The refurbishment of Hwange Power Station’s Unit 5 will add 160 MW to the national grid by August 2026, helping address the electricity shortfall,” he said. Additionally, Unit 7 at Hwange will undergo maintenance in January 2025 to ensure its long-term efficiency.

Water shortages have further constrained electricity generation at the Kariba Power Station, which produces only 104 MW out of its 1,050 MW capacity due to low water levels.

However, Moyo highlighted a 68.75% increase in water allocation for power generation in 2025, stemming from an anticipated above-normal rainfall season.

“This will significantly increase power availability next year,” he noted.

A recent nationwide blackout on November 24 disrupted the fragile energy system, with power restored after seven hours. The cause of the disturbance is still under investigation.

To mitigate load-shedding, the government plans to rely on Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which currently contribute over 200 MW, and accelerate renewable energy projects like solar farms. Projects such as the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Plant, with a potential capacity of 1,200 MW, and the Devils Gorge Hydro Project, expected to generate 600 MW, are also in development.

“The repowering of Hwange units 1 to 6 over the next 48 to 60 months will restore the station’s capacity to 840 MW, significantly stabilizing the power supply,” Moyo said.

On nuclear energy, the minister disclosed that the government is exploring prospects with Russia’s ROSATOM and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Thirty Zimbabwean students are currently training in nuclear physics abroad as part of the initiative.

Despite these efforts, Moyo acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Without significant interventions, the forecast demand of 1,735 MW will continue to outstrip supply, resulting in ongoing load curtailment,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s path to reliable electricity hinges on the successful completion of these projects and the implementation of efficient energy policies. For now, the nation must brace for continued power outages.

The prolonged outages, now extending to 18-hours a day, have taken a toll on households and industries, affecting productivity and increasing operational costs for businesses reliant on backup power. Critics argue that the government’s reliance on imports and promises of future projects have not eased the immediate burden on citizens.

SOURCE: ZIMLIVE