A 270 megawatts Thermal Power Plant is being constructed in Chief Mukuni area of Kazungula district in Southern Province, with over 450 jobs created for the locals.
Guoli Energy Zambia Limited, a registered company specialised in Energy and Mining Operations commenced the construction works at the project site last year after obtaining approval from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and other regulatory Agencies and also an approval of 7.5-kilometer water transmission line that is tapping water from the Zambezi River to the plant was obtained.
The media reports that Greenline Environmental Solutions Limited Consultant, Mwansa Mubanga said phase one of the project was progressing well.
“Everything that was discussed under the phase has been achieved. We talked about the impact of the project at development, operational and commissioning stages. Clearing of the land, bringing of materials among other things have happened,” Mr Mubanga explained.
He disclosed that Guoli Energy Zambia Limited now intends to undertake the construction of phase two of the Thermal Power Plant of another 135 mw capacity to bring the total power output to 270 megawatts, at full operations capacity at the project site.
Mr Mubanga said four sets of components were needed in order for the thermal power energy plant to operate among them coal and water adding that each phase will cost a total of US$100 million and that once completed with regular maintenance, the project will have a minimum operation of 50 years.
Gouli Energy Zambia Limited Deputy General Manager Jia Jun said he was delighted to see the government and local support given to the company and disclosed that almost 500 local people were offered jobs at the Mukuni Thermal Power Plan.
Meanwhile, Kazungula Town Council Chairperson, Mbozi Tatila urged the community to support the company contracted to do the work in order to spearhead the developmental agenda.
In a vote of thanks, the Mukuni Royal Establishment representative, Senior Headman Harry Sikute thanked the government for bringing the project closer to the chiefdom and urged the local people to guard the facility with care.
