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Today, I wish to share with you our Government’s progress in the implementation of projects aimed at increasing electricity generation, transmission and distribution capacity across the country.
Our Government through ZESCO is currently managing about (81) projects to improve the performance of the value chain, in order to facilitate for wealth creation and improved livelihood of our people.
The projects are at various stages which include feasibility studies, financing, appraisal and implementation. (18) Projects are focused on Generation infrastructure development; (15) are focused on Transmission infrastructure development and (48) are focused on Distribution infrastructure development countrywide. Some of the power generation infrastructure development projects include:
1. Kariba North Bank Extension 360mw scheme – installed and commissioned (1) of the (2) 180mw generators under this project;
2. Kariba North Bank Power Station – increased power supply from the existing generating plant of 60 mw;
3. Lunzua 14.8mw hydro scheme – current progress is over 65% complete;
4. Lusiwasi Upper 15mw hydro scheme – generation increase by 15mw;
5. Lusiwasi Lower 86mw hydro scheme – 85% of funding still pending;
6. Chishimba 14.8mw hydro scheme – investment funding still pending;
7. Musonda Falls 10mw hydro scheme – investment funding still pending;
8. Kapishya 2mw Geothermal scheme – investment funding still pending;
9. Itezhi Tezhi 120mw hydro scheme – project will increase rural access to electricity;
10. Kafue Gorge Lower 750mw hydro scheme – project will reduce load shedding.
You will recall that during 2012, our Government allocated US$255 million of the euro bond: US$186 million for the Kafue Gorge Lower Project and US$69 million to finance selected Distribution projects. It is my hope that the private sector will partner with Government so we complete the above projects and end load shedding permanently as well as expand rural access to electricity. MCS – 11/02/14
