Zimpapers Logo

DAR ES SALAAM. — Tanzania has invited bids to build a 2,100-megawatt (MW) hydroelectric plant in a World Heritage site renowned for its animal populations, despite opposition from conservationists to the long-delayed project.

The East African nation considers the project at Stiegler’s Gorge in the UNESCO-designated Selous Game Reserve as vital in its bid to diversify its energy mix and end chronic electricity shortages. The project would more than double the country’s power generation capacity.

The Energy and Minerals Ministry said it expected construction of the power plant to be completed within three years, according to a document published on its website late on Wednesday.

The deadline for bids is October 16, according to the document, which specifies that work must be completed within a period of 36 months, with a maximum mobilisation period of three months.

The government did not say how much the project would cost and how it would raise financing.

President John Magufuli’s office said last month the long-delayed hydroelectric plant would be built “to speed up the development of the country”.

Experts from Ethiopia, which is also building new hydro-electric dams, would advise the government, President Magufuli’s office said.

Critics say construction of a dam in a major river that runs through the Selous Game Reserve could affect wildlife and their habitats downstream.

Covering 50,000 sq km, the reserve is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, according to UNESCO. It is known for its elephants, black rhinoceroses and giraffes, among many other species. — Reuters.