Tanzania Hydropower Dam Costs Double

An independent study claims that a project to build the controversial Stiegler’s Gorge Dam in Tanzania will cost double government estimates.

Egyptian firms El Sewedy Electric Co and Arab Contractors were appointed to build the dam on a Unesco World Heritage site in December 2018 at a cost of $3 billion. The location of the project has raised concerns regarding wildlife in the Selous Game Reserve, which includes elephants, black rhinos and giraffes. Lobbyists has also warned about the impact on the livelihoods of the people and mangroves in the Rufiji Delta. 

Independent expert Joerg Hartmann claims the project is likely to cost nearer to $9.85 billion in a study published by OECD Watch.

The dam is expected to produce 2,115 megawatts of electricity following completion and is part of the government’s 2025 Energy Vision in the Tanzania Power System Master Plan.