Zimbabwe and Zambia have shortlisted three developers for the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme through the Zambezi River Authority Council of Ministers.
A meeting in Livingstone, Zambia approved the short-listing of
- Consortium of General Electric of USA and Power Corporation of China
- Salini Impregilo of Italy and,
- A joint venture comprising Three Gorges Corporation namely China International and Water Electric Corporation, and China Gezhouba Group Company Limited.
The Ministers have also stated that three preparatory studies which include, engineering feasibility study, environmental and social impact assessment, and legal and financial transaction advisory services, will be completed by end of the first quarter of 2019.
The project will be schemed on a Build-Operate-Transfer financing model and will not put any fiscal strain on the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The request for proposals will be launched by April 2019, and the final developer for the gorge will be appointed by September 2019.
More: Lusaka Times