Mozambican government to select consultant this year for construction of new hydroelectric
The Mozambican government will select this year a consultant for the legal and financial structuring of the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Project, a new dam to be built 60 kilometers from Cahora Bassa, an official source tells Lusa.
“The hiring of the consultant should take place this year, in order to speed up the hiring process of the strategic partner for the development of the venture, added the same source, who requested anonymity.
The period for receiving and opening proposals from the nine pre-qualified consultancy companies ended on August 1st.
The nine competitors result from a public tender in which 18 entities expressed interest.
“The tender follows good international procurement practices, rules and procedures to ensure transparency, competitiveness and credibility to the process,” the source added.
The selected entity will work with the Mpanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Project Implementation Office throughout the process of resolving outstanding issues.
The company to be selected should also provide all kinds of advice, update the technical studies identified as critical and for the selection of the strategic partner to be joined by the Electricity of Mozambique (EDM) and Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric (HCB) in development of project infrastructures.
The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, both direct and indirect, during its implementation and represents a strong stimulus for the national industrial, commercial, agricultural and service business.
Mphanda Nkuwa’s construction plan was approved in September 2007, having since then been through several partnerships, but the project has never materialized.
The President of the Republic Filipe Nyusi announced on August 22, 2018 that EDM and HCB are in charge of revitalizing the Mphanda Nkuwa dam project and the line.
The venture is valued at $ 2.3 billion (1.9 billion euros).
It is expected to produce 1,500 megawatts of electricity, of which 80 could be for export.