Masvingo Excited About the Tokwe-Bikita Power Line Project
The Minister of State and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Honorable Ezra Chadzamira, has expressed appreciation for the role Bikita Minerals is playing in enhancing the mining, agriculture, and construction industries through the construction of a power line that will cover four districts in Masvingo Province.
Rudairo Mapuranga
In addition to introducing a 132kV transmission line for Bikita Minerals, the project also includes a 132kV transmission line for Masvingo City.
Speaking during a ministerial visit to assess the project before its commissioning by President His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Masvingo Provincial Minister stated that the project will benefit the province in terms of its contribution to achieving the upper middle-income economy status.
“Thank you very much for this flagship project; it is going to benefit Masvingo, Gutu, Zaka, and Bikita districts. It will also benefit key economic sectors, namely the agriculture, mining, and infrastructure sectors. It is our province’s duty to contribute to the national GDP as we aim to achieve the upper middle-income economy status. This project will mark a significant milestone,” Hon. Chadzamira said.
This vital project carries a cost of USD 22 million, with USD 2 million allocated for rural electrification.
Regarding employment, the 132kV project employed 500 locals during its construction. Furthermore, families and farmers affected by the power line construction were duly compensated.
Private sector investment can help address the country’s infrastructure deficit, and development should be private sector-led, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1.