The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has announced the completion of a review of the feasibility study for the Batoka Hydropower Station project. According to ZRA chief executive officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa, the review encompassed the demonstration structure, powerhouse structure, and capacity output aspects of the project.

In a recent interview, Mr. Munodawafa stated that the authority is currently awaiting the second phase of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). He anticipates that the finalization of both the feasibility study review and the EIA will be completed within the first quarter of 2015. Consultants are actively engaged in other necessary processes, and a project committee, comprising senior government officials, utilities representatives, and ZRA personnel, is scheduled to visit the project site this month.

Upon completion of these processes, the ZRA will proceed with the selection of a developer for the project. Following the selection, the authority will be able to determine the actual value of the project. Zambia and Zimbabwe have formalized their collaboration on the Batoka hydropower project through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The project is estimated to cost approximately US$4 billion. The agreement was signed during a council of ministers meeting held in Kariba, Siavonga.