The new Karoi 132/33kV substation
The project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), and constructed by Chinese firm, Sinohydro Corporation Limited, with the purpose of improving the power supply quality to Karoi and surrounding areas was in the first quarter of 2024 commissioned, connected and the substation energized to supply power to Karoi Town.
The project which was approved in 2017, and commenced in 2021, is one of the many ZETDC network re-enforcement projects with an objective of strengthening and increasing the country’s sub-transmission network capacity.
The scope of the project consisted of the construction of an 85km, 132 KV monopole line between Alaska 330/132kV substation and a new 132/33kV substation at Karoi, the construction of the new 132/33kV substation, and refurbishment of the reticulation network within the Makonde and Hurungwe districts.
The completion of the project will ensure improved power supply quality and reliability, reduced system losses, and reduced network faults. The project will provide a sustainable electricity network to Karoi residents that will last for years to come due to an increase in capacity from 15 MVA to 118 MVA. ZETDC anticipates growth with 6000 new customers around Karoi, Makonde and Hurungwe expected to access electricity following this network expansion.
Over and above providing adequate and reliable power supplies to Karoi and its surroundings, the project impacted positively on the Karoi community through a number of sustainable social uplifting initiatives that came with the project. Some of these include the 38 boreholes which were built for the community to provide access to a sustainable source of clean water.
The project also contributed towards improving health care service to the Hurungwe community where electrical circuits at Hurungwe hospital were re-wired and two nurses’ houses constructed at Sadoma Clinic. An ablution block was built at Hurungwe Old people’s home, to promote better hygiene and overall well-being.
The project also saw the construction of a new classroom block at Slaughter Primary School to create a conducive learning environment for students in the community, and a greenhouse was built at Karoi children’s home.
The project has brought about so much value to the Karoi community as the organisation continues to contribute towards the attainment of vision 2030 of leaving no place and no-one behind.
