The Chairman of the Rufiji Basin Development Authority (RUBADA)
Board of Directors, Prof. Raphael Mwalyosi (second left) receiving a copy of a
report and proposal of development of the Stiegler’s Gorge Power project from a
Brazilian based Odebrecht International New Business Director, Mr. Fernando
Soares in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.
At the centre is RUBADA Director General, Mr. Aloyce Masanja and the
Brazilian Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr. Fransisco Luz (extreme left).
By a Correspondent, Dar es Salaam
Implementation of a huge Stiegler’s Gorge Power is becoming a
reality after a report and proposal of development of the project has been completed
and presented to the government.
The proposal presented over the weekend in Dar es Salaam
follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of the long awaited project between
the Rufiji Basin Development Authority (RUBADA) and Odebrecht International, a
reputable dam construction company in the world six months ago.
“This is a very crucial stage,” the RUBADA Director General,
Mr. Aloyce Masanja told journalists after receiving the proposal in an event
that was witnessed by top Odebrecht staffs, some officials from the government
of Tanzania and RUBADA’s management and members of the Board of Directors.
According to Masanja, the proposal will now give a clear
picture on the implementation of the project.
The proposal touches mainly on Power Market Overview,
Engineering Studies and Technical Proposal, Preliminary Social-Environmental
Evaluation, Key Stakeholders, Stage 1 Risk Analysis and Financial Structure and
Proposed Business Plan.
According to Mr. Masanja, the project financial requirement
is at the tune of USD 2 billion but the figure may vary depending on the
technology to be agreed at a later stage.
RUBADA, as a public institution is allowed by law to generate
and supply hydroelectric power in the basin and will partner with Odebrecht, a
private entity in a form of Public Private Partnership (PPP).
“The project is a multipurpose by nature in the sectors of
agriculture, energy, fisheries, flood control and tourism,” he said.
Once completed, the project will have the potential to
produce 2100 MW.
The Brazilian company reviewed Feasibility Studies that was
earlier done by a Norwegian company, NORCONSULT in 1980 on the similar project
but shelved later on.
The next stage after reviewing the proposal will be designing
and doing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) while the third stage will be
commencement of construction.
On his part, the company’s New Business Director, Mr.
Fernando Soares said that his company understands the importance of the
project, not only for Tanzania but for the whole region.
“We are proud to be part of such important endeavor,” he said.
He said that Odebrecht can provide great value to
their clients bringing the necessary engineering, and construction expertise,
as well as proven local knowledge and motivation to pursue a well-balanced
contractual relationship.
The Chairman of the RUBADA Board of Directors, Prof. Raphael
Mwalyosi said the Brazilian company has done a great job.
“We are very happy, they have done a great job according to
our expectations,” Prof. Mwalyosi said.
On his part, the Brazilian Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr.
Fransisco Luz said that his country is very proud that Tanzania has decided to
have a Brazilian experience in the area of dam construction.
It is estimated that the Stiegler’s electricity will be among
the smallest production cost in Africa standing at 4 USD Cents per a kilowatt
hour, including tax.
“There are more than enough reasons for stakeholders to
support this project,” he said.
Odebrecht Company Limited is reputed to be involved in big
and successful construction of big hydropower projects in the world. It was involved in construction of the
world’s second power project found in Brazil with the capacity to produce
14,000 MW.
The whole of the Rufiji Basin has the potential to produce
4,000 MW.
Brazil is said to have transformed her economy for the past
30 years from the low income country to a middle economy today. More than 85 per cent of the country’s power
comes from hydro sources.
Its portfolio includes more than 58,500 MW in construction
works and services in the power sector.
With more than 65 years of experience, developing
projects in 25 countries in 4 continents.
In Africa, Odebrecht has been working since 1984, employs more than
20,000 persons, has successfully delivered projects in 9 countries and has
formed long lasting partnerships with various clients.
Odebrecht is ranked in 2012 as number 13 of the top
225 International Contractors and number 2 in Hydropower plants by ENR, one of
the most prestigious engineering and construction publication in the World.
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