The African Development Bank (AfDB) has revealed plans to roll out water and power sector rehabilitation projects in several parts of Zimbabwe under the support of the Zimbabwe Multi-Donor Trust Fund (Zim-Fund)
Zim-Fund manager Emmanuel Nzabanita said the two projects, valued at US$65mn, are currently ongoing, with US$35mn being channelled towards electricity and US$30mn for water projects.
Nzabanita added, “In order for the country to move forward, you need to make sure that your electricity networks are rehabilitated so that you can be able to pump the water to the communities.”
Funds for the water project have been designated towards six cities, namely Harare, Chitungwiza, Mutare, Masvingo, Kwekwe and Chegutu.
“We have reached a stage where the citizens of Zimbabwe will experience the results of what the bank has been doing on the ground,” Nzabanita said.
The fund was set up by a group of seven countries, including the UK, Australia, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and Norway, all having contributed a total of US$124mn.
Nzabanita said two contracts had already been issued, one for upgrading water systems in Mutare and the other for the nationwide power transmission network.
The Zim-Fund manager added that many power blackouts in the country were caused by faulty cables and the inability of transformers to deliver the necessary power.
Nzabanita commented, “This contract has now been signed and people are currently mobilising. We also have a contract for the delivery of sewage cleaning equipment in the six cities.
“The contract for the electricity distribution network will involve buying transformers, building lines to the water pumping stations and generally improving the quality of power supply in the country,” he added.
