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Namibia hikes Zim power imports
17/06/2008 18:16 - (SA)
Windhoek - Namibia is hoping to solve its power shortages by doubling the amount of electricity it imports from economically crippled Zimbabwe, the national power utility Nampower said Tuesday.
Namibia began receiving 80 megawatts of electricity from Zimbabwe on Sunday. Namibia imports about 75% of its energy needs from South Africa. However, it has been forced to look elsewhere since South Africa is suffering from an acute power shortage and is barely able to produce enough power to meet its own growing demand.
Last March, Nampower advanced $40 million to Zimbabwe to assist with the refurbishment of four electricity generating units at its coal-fired Hwange Power Station in return for a guaranteed supply of 150 megawatts for the next five years.
NamPower's managing director Paulinus Shilamba said the rehabilitation of the first unit has been completed, allowing for the increased power production.
Shilamba said the utility was not concerned that the deteriorating situation would affect Zimbabwe's ability to honour the agreement despite the power station being plagued with breakdowns and a shortage of parts in the country.
"They (Zimbabwe) have been very good in fulfilling their commitment and we have a lot of confidence in these guys," Shilamba said.
Shilamba described the agreement as a "win-win" situation, saying after all units have been rehabilitated by October, the bulk of the electricity produced will be available for use in the Zimbabwean grid.
Zimbabwe's is producing only about 65% of its daily requirement, with the balance being imported from other regional markets such as Mozambique.
- AP
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Power Crisis Special Report
