By 
Government says it has intensified efforts to expand energy infrastructure in Luapula Province, with renewed progress on the long-awaited 244 megawatt Kalungwishi Hydropower Project.
Luapula Province Acting Permanent Secretary Evans Sikabbubba said the project was expected to unlock investment, create jobs and accelerate industrial growth in the region.
According to a statement issued in Mansa on Wednesday, Sikabbubba gave the update during a courtesy call by a joint delegation from the Ministry of Energy, ZESCO Limited, Kanona and Lunzua Power Company on Monday.
He stated that the project represented a major step in the Government’s agenda of taking development closer to communities.
“Government has intensified efforts to expand energy infrastructure in Luapula Province, with renewed progress on the long-awaited 244 megawatt Kalungwishi Hydropower Project expected to unlock investment, create jobs and accelerate industrial growth,” Sikabbubba said.
He said reliable electricity remained critical to unlocking Luapula’s economic potential especially that inadequate power supply had for years slowed value addition, agricultural expansion and industrial investment.
“Luapula will not remain the same once these hydropower stations are developed,” Sikabbubba said.
He directed developers to strengthen engagement with traditional leaders and communities across affected districts.
Read More: African Energy Commission calls for clean cooking finance push ahead of Nairobi summit
Ministry of Energy Senior Planner and delegation leader Victor Chingangu said the Government had facilitated the resolution of implementation challenges.
Chingangu added that the Government had opened the project to private sector participation to fast-track delivery.
Head of Hydropower and Thermal at Lunzua Power Company, Miyanda Munachonga, said the company was committed to mobilising private capital.
“And Head of Hydropower and Thermal at Lunzua Power Company Miyanda Munachonga said the company is committed to mobilising private capital and partnering with Government to deliver the project,” Munachonga noted.
ZESCO Senior Manager, Kelvin Kamole, said preparatory works, including feasibility studies and technical processes, had already been undertaken.
Once completed, the Kalungwishi Hydropower Project is expected to improve electricity supply and position Luapula as an emerging centre for investment and industrial development.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments