NWTGC US$480M CONSTRUCTION SET TO KICK-OFF IN BOTSWANA

The project will create new jobs and help the nation be one of the distributor of power to neighbouring countries.

The ground breaking ceremony of the power line construction project was presided over by Advocate Sadique Kebonang, the Minister of Minerals Resource, Green Technology and Energy.

The project termed North West Transmission Grid Connection(NWTGC) costs about US $480m and is divided into two phases.

Phase I is the construction of a 400 kv backbone transmission line with two additional 400kv and 220kv / 132kv lines and substations.

The phase 1 will connect Toteng, Ghanzi, Shakawe and Gumare to the 400kv line.

The Phase II will see the extension of the 400kv grid from Phokoje to Pandamatenga and a 220kv line to Kasane/Kazungula.

According to Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy, Advocate Sadique Kebonang, ‘The NWTGC project would open opportunity to reduce dependency on power imports from countries such as Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.”

The aim of the project is to see the country in the near future exporting power to neighboring countries.

Botswana Power corporation CEO, Dr. Stefan Schwarzfischer; ”The NWTGC would create employment for 2,100 people in each phase during the period of construction. 81% will be local citizens.”