Abstract :
After just over fifty years´ existence as a portion of the British Empire, Southern Rhodesia is now coming to life industrially. The problems of electricity supply require careful consideration if the Colony is to progress on sound economic lines, and this paper seeks to assist in laying the foundation of a policy aimed at ensuring such progress. The existing economic and geographical conditions are first outlined, together with the sources of raw materials, power and water. The probable development of basic industries in Matabeleland is discussed and other possible avenues of electricity consumption are detailed, including railway traction and the natural growth of existing load centres. The author then investigates three different methods of supplying the power demand of the future, two of which involve the transmission of large blocks of power over distances in excess of 200 miles. The peculiar problems inherent in long-distance transmission in Rhodesia are dealt with, and the economics of overhead lines operating at 250 kV are examined. The author reaches the final conclusion that the use of hydro-electric power, up to a total of 100 000 kW, from the Victoria Falls should be seriously considered as a part of a comprehensive scheme for future supplies.
