MASVINGO City Council is contemplating introducing a levy to finance the construction of
a solar plant.
The local authority has drawn up a proposal to install a solar system as an alternative power
source at its Bushmead Waterworks on the banks of Lake Mutirikwi at a cost of
US$5 122 000.
According to the feasibility study undertaken by The Design Team Consulting Engineers, the
construction of a solar plant at the water works would benefit the local authority in that it
costs US$14 760 per year compared to US$1 208 566,80 to run a 2,5 MVA generator.
The total installation of a 2,5 MVA generator according to a quotation from the Finance and
General Purposes Committee is US$1 195 000 while the cost of a solar system installation
costs US$5 122 000.
“Consideration was given to the report of the acting Director of Engineering Services on the
options for providing alternative power supply to the Bushmead Waterworks. The two
options were either the procurement of a generator or the installation of a solar power plant.
“It was reported that a feasibility study for alternative power supply for the Bushmead Water
Works was done by The Design Team Consulting Engineers. From the feasibility report, it
was noted that the most suitable alternative was construction of a 1, 6 MW solar plant with
running costs of US$14 760 per year compared to a 2,5 MVA generator with running costs of
US$1 208 566, 80,” reads part of the minutes.
The running cost for the generator were US$1 936, 80 for fuel and US$7, 50 maintenance per
day and US$1 412, 86 ZETDC bill bring the total daily costs to US$3 357, 13 and the total
monthly costs to US$100 713, 90 and annual costs to US$1 208 566, 80.
The running cost for a 1, 6 MW solar plant would be US$41 for maintenance per day
bringing the total to US$1 230 monthly and US$14 760 annually.
“The Committee adopted the option of installation a solar power plant at the quoted cost. The
Finance Director was instructed to identify potential sources of funding including the
introduction of a levy to finance the construction of a solar power plant.”