 By The Citizen Correspondent.
Dar es Salaam. Implementation of a huge Stiegler’s Gorge Power is becoming a reality after a report and proposal for development of the project has been completed and presented to the government.
The proposal presented at the weekend in Dar es Salaam follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of the long-awaited project between the Rufiji Basin Development Authority (Rubada) and Odebrecht International, a global dam construction company six months ago.
“This is a very crucial stage,” the Rubada director general, Mr Aloyce Masanja told journalists after receiving the proposal in an event that was witnessed by top Odebrecht staff, some officials from the government of Tanzania and Rubada’s management and members of the board of directors.
According to Masanja, the proposal will now give a clear picture on the implementation of the project.
The proposal touches mainly on Power Market Overview, Engineering Studies and Technical Proposal, Preliminary Social-Environmental Evaluation, Key Stakeholders, Stage 1 Risk Analysis and Financial Structure and Proposed Business Plan.
According to Mr Masanja, the project financial requirement is at the tune of $2 billion but the figure may vary depending on the technology to be agreed at a later stage.
Rubada, as a public institution is allowed by law to generate and supply hydroelectric power in the basin and will partner with Odebrecht, a private entity in a form of Public Private Partnership (PPP).
“The project is a multipurpose by nature in the sectors of agriculture, energy, fisheries, flood control and tourism,” he said.
Once completed, the project will have the potential to produce 2100 megawatts.
The Brazilian company reviewed Feasibility Studies that was earlier done by a Norwegian company, NorConsult in 1980 on the similar project but shelved later on.
The next stage after reviewing the proposal will be designing and doing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) while the third stage will be commencement of construction.
On his part, the company’s New Business Director, Mr. Fernando Soares said that his company understands the importance of the project, not only for Tanzania but for the whole region.
“We are proud to be part of such important endeavor,” he said.
He said that Odebrecht can provide great value to their clients bringing the necessary engineering, and construction expertise, as well as proven local knowledge and motivation to pursue a well-balanced contractual relationship.
The Chairman of the Rubada board of directors, Prof Raphael Mwalyosi said the Brazilian company had done a great job.
“We are very happy, they have done a great job according to our expectations,” Prof Mwalyosi said.
On his part, the Brazilian Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Fransisco Luz said that his country is very proud that Tanzania has decided to have a Brazilian experience in the area of dam construction.
It is estimated that the Stiegler’s electricity will be among the smallest production cost in Africa standing at 4USD Cents per a kilowatt hour, including tax.
http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/business/-/28298-report-on-major-power-plan-presented-to-govt
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