TANZANIA LOBBIES BIDDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF HYDRO POWER PLANT
Tanzania invites bids for hydro power plant project in game reserve
Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) published a tender invitation on its website inviting bids to build a 2,100-megawatt (MW) hydro power plant in a World Heritage site renowned for its animal populations. Clearance of the area will pave way for the commencement of the grand hydro power generation project at the Stiegler’s Gorge in the Selous Game Reserve scheduled to start in July this year.
The country also announced that it is looking up to the Africa Development Bank to finance the project. Currently the Africa Development Bank is reviewing the request made by Tanzania to finance the project.
The Stiegler’s Gorge project pose a potential conflict due to its potential negative impact on the Selous Game Reserve. The dam might endanger the animal species in the area especially the black rhinoceros and elephants.
The hydro plant is sure to boost power generation capacity by using hydro power and natural gas and coal reserves. The country needs a steady power sources and the completion of this project will provide it.