The Mepanda Unkua Project: a planned regulation of the Zambezi River in Mozambique

This report examines the potential social and environmental consequences of the proposed Mepanda Unkua Project, a large scale dam planned on the Zambezi River in the Province of Tete in Mozambique.The paper also looks at the characteristics of the affected area; the main actors involved; and investigates Norwegian activities and involvement in the project to put a focus on Norwegian intentions and responsibilities.Main findings and recommendations include:demand side management, supply efficiency and decentralised energy alternatives may offer better alternatives for improving energy services for all segments of the population in Mozambique, and should be investigated further with the support of international donorsextensive capacity building and inclusion of all stakeholders in the decision making process is essential for fulfilling the guidelines for good practice developed by the World Commission on Dams (WCD)capacity building among affected groups should be carried through or encouraged and supported by the implementers the Technical Unit for Implementation of Hydropower Projects (UTIP)even though an important principle in NORAD’s (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation) cooperation is the recipient country’s responsibility, support from NORAD to UTIP as a governmental institution should be revised. The social profile of the Mepanda Unkua project should be changed to the benefit of the affected groups in the impacted area and the poor segments of the population in Mozambiquethe Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) funding should not be granted to this project. The project is highly economically viable, and it is unlikely that the project will comply with the additionality criteria for CDM projects. Also, the project’s contribution to domestic reduction of GHG gases and sustainable development is highly uncertain.[adapted from authors]