The Zimbabwean Look East policy has continued to bear fruit, with the signing of a Project Implementation Contract between the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and India's Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) under a $28,6 million Government-to-Government Line of Credit negotiated for the enhancement of pumping capacity for Hwange Power Station, with the added boon of increased water supply for the residents of Hwange.

ZPC Managing Director Mr. Noah Gwariro, who was accompanied by Finance Director Hubert Chiwara, and WAPCOS Chairman R.K. Gupta signed the contract at the WAPCOS headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of Zimbabwe's Ambassador to India Cde Jonathan Wutawunashe and his Indian counterpart, who happened to be in Delhi on other business.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Zimbabwe's Ambassador to India, Cde Jonathan Wutawunashe, highlighted the comfort level shared by Zimbabwe and India in collaborating on people-centered development projects, and recalled that WAPCOS had played a significant role in Zimbabwe's power sector during the early years after Independence.

He added that true partnerships do not involve distracting noises or anyone looking over their shoulder, and what they have with India is a true partnership.

The Ambassador placed on record Zimbabwe's appreciation for the Line of Credit extended by India and expressed the hope that other projects proposed by Zimbabwe, including some in the power sector, would be similarly supported.

The project envisages a major installation at Deka Pump Station and the provision of a new pipeline that will augment the existing one, which will also be refurbished under the project.

Both the high-and low-lift pump intakes at the Deka Pump Station on the Zambezi River will be refurbished, while significant repairs will be made to the existing, 42 km pipeline from the pumping station to Hwange, alongside which a new pipeline will be constructed and commissioned.

In keeping with Government's commitment to ensuring that communities derive maximum benefit from projects, water points will be provided to local communities along the pipeline, which will also provide potable water to Hwange town.

A capacity building component, which will see a transfer of know-how through the training of engineers and technicians, is incorporated in the project.