Zimbabwe Economic News: High-Tech Scanner at Border Post, Nampower To Finance Energy Projects

Govt Commissions High-Tech Scanner At Border Post

Government has commissioned a relocatable scanner at Chirundu Border Post which is expected to increase revenue collection through minimising fraud and improving efficiency in the handling of cargo. The scanner was installed by a Chinese company at a cost of about $10 mln.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa said the scanner would go a long way in modernising customs clearance in line with the World Customs Organisation's thrust. From about 150 trucks, the border post now handles 350 trucks as the volume of traffic continues to increase. The scanner can clear at least 20 trucks in an hour - Herald, Tuesday October 29

Zim Seeks To Partner Regional Power Utilities

Zimbabwe seeks to partner regional power utilities and private investors in new energy generation projects, as part of efforts to boost its electricity supply. Zimbabwe, currently generating around 1 300megawatts against a peak demand of 2 200MW , intends to increase capacity to 6 600MW, according to Zimbabwe Power Company, a subsidiary of Zesa Holdings - Daily News, Tuesday October 29

Nampower To Finance Zim Energy Projects

NAMIBIA power utility, Nampower, is expected to invest nearly $180 million to finance expansion projects at Harare and Bulawayo thermal power stations.

According to the Zimbabwe Power Company - a unit of State-owned power company, Zesa, Nampower has expressed keen interest in increasing generation capacity of the two power stations to 120MW as the country continues to grapple with power outages.

"The Namibian Power generation unit, Nampower, has once again shown interest in partnering with Zimbabwe to improve the local power situation. In August this year, a delegation from Namibia visited Zimbabwe Power Company and expressed their interest in funding the Harare and Bulawayo projects," ZPC said.

Nampower is a strategic partner to Zimbabwe and in 2007 funded the $40 million refurbishment of Hwange Power Station.