Morupule B bungle costs gov�t additional P5bn :: Mmegi Online

The bungling of works at the Chinese built Morupule B power plant has forced government to spend an additional P5 billion in remedial works and power imports, the Public Accounts Committee heard this week.

Built by China National Electric Equipment Corporation (CNEEC), the 600MW plant was supposed to be fully completed by October 2012, but has not been fully operational to date due to technical faults forcing Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) to continue importing electricity.

Appearing before the committee on Tuesday, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security , Obolokile Obakeng said on top of the initial investment of $1.2 billion (P12 billion) for the construction of the plant and related transmission lines, an additional amount of P5 billion was spent, mostly on importing power to cover the deficit.

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