POWER III

closed

The short-term objectives of the project are to: (a) minimize the severity of the power shortage in Zimbabwe caused by the recent drought and facilitate economic recovery by increasing the performance and reliability of the Hwange coal-fired power station, Zimbabwe's largest generating station; (b) reduce the incidence and severity of power blackouts during the power shortage to minimize the economic and social disruption they cause. Over the longer term, the project will: (d) selectively increase the capacity and reliability of the distribution system so as to serve more consumers when the power shortage is alleviated; and (e) reduce the unit cost of power and power system investment by commercializing the power utility, improving the condition of existing power facilities, economic power pricing and by short-term technical assistance and training. The project consists of: (a) operation support, maintenance, spares, and major overhaul services and selective equipment upgrades for Hwange Power Station; (b) distribution system reinforcement through the installation of additional transformer capacity, line uprating, and installation of capacitors and load shedding devices; (c) training and technical assistance; (d) provision of workshop equipment and maintenance vehicles; and (e) completion of Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority's management information system.