The strategic partner to lead the Mphanda Nkuwa dam construction project, alongside the public companies Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) and Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), should be known by the end of this year.

In the same period the "reserve" partner for the same project will be selected.

According to the daily "Notícias", the final proposals from the seven bidders selected in June of this year should be delivered to the competent authorities by the end of October.

However, there will be room for an extension if pre-qualified bidders demand it.

According to the vice-minister of Industry and Commerce, Ludovina Bernardo, it is intended that the selected partner will be the majority shareholder of the project with EDM and HCB as investment partners.

Speaking as spokesperson for the 24th session of the Council of Ministers Ludovina Bernardo assured that the Government has been taking all the necessary precautions for the project to become viable and financially sustainable.