-REA hands over extension grid to ZESCO

REA hands over extension grid to ZESCO

Chipata, May 22, ZANIS–The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has handed over a grid extension project in Chipata to the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation, ZESCO for implementation.

ZESCO will implement the project located at Saint Margaret school and surrounding areas  in Chipata.

The handover also marked the launch of 10 new grid extension projects that are planned as part of the 2013 work programme for the REA at a total cost of KR59 million.

REA Chief Executive Officer Godfrey Musonda disclosed that the authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ZESCO through which the utility company will implement the project at a cost of KR5.2 million.

Mr Musonda said the project stands to benefit not only St Margaret School but also provide electricity to other schools and health centres in the surrounding areas of Mnoro, Kawimbe, Mushawa, and Chilumba.

Speaking in Chipata today during the handover of the project to ZESSCO, Mr Musonda said the project will further include electrification of chief Mpamba and Chieftainess Nkamba palaces.

He said the surrounding area expects to record some benefits among them the emergence of small and medium enterprises,  improved agricultural activities and education standards including increased participation in modern communication by the local people.

Mr Musonda has since called on the school and community to guard the infrastructure against vandalism because the scourge would hamper progress of the project and consequently not benefit them.

And ZESCO Chief Engineer Edward Mulumba assured St Magaret School management and its community that the project will be concluded within five months.

Mr Mulumba also said the utility company was expanding its generation in order to reduce on load shedding in the province.

And Eastern Province Education Officer Thomas Mwanza has called on ZESCO to set up meters in teacher’s houses so that their bills did not accumulate together with those of the school.

Meanwhile, Chipata District Administrative Officer Masauso Banda commended ZESCO and REA for embarking on the project to electrify St Margaret school and surrounding areas.

Among the 10 projects to be implemented this year at a cost of KR59 million by the Rural Electrification Authority are St Margaret, Nachucha, Maimwene, Mbeza, Njere, Laurent Chitaa, Lengwe, Milenge, Mushindamo, and Kangoro  projects in Chipata.

Others are in Senanga, Namwala, Nakonde, Luwingu, Kawambwa, Milenge and Solwezi.