Vice president Inonge Wina has commissioned the construction of the first-ever mini-hydro grid in Mwinilunga under the Rural Electrification Authority (REA)
Once complete, the Kasanjiku Mini-hydro power station which would generate 640 kilowatts or power is aimed to supply electricity to over 12,000 people in Senior Chiefs Ntambu and Sailunga’s areas in two years time.
Ms Wina said government had put in place a rural electrification master plan that would guide systematic electrification of Rural areas of zambia up to the year 2030.
“This master plan to electrify rural areas will require US $50 million per year to be implemented and that will raise the access profile from the current 3.7 percent to 51 percent,” she said.
She said the Kasanjiku mini hydro powerstation was a very important project under REA as it was a substantial undertaking that would be a flagship of government efforts to increase access to electicity in rural areas.
Ms Wina called on TEA to continue exploring more areas across the country that would help construct more mini hydro stations to lessen burden on the main grid.
She reiterated government’s committed to transform rural Zambia because of its potential contribution to the national development.
The Vice-president said it was her hope that with the provision of electricity in rural areas, the community would set up businesses such as salons, restaurants , and other services.
She appealed to the private sector to join hands with government through the public private partnerships (PPP) to consider investing in viable ventures such as providing energy in rural areas.
Mrs Wina urged the contractor not to take labour from Lusaka but ensure that he employs local people and implement the contract according to the contractual obligations.
Speaking at the same function, REA board chairperson Jerry Mwenechanya said the power produced at the site would greatly benefit people in senior chiefs Ntambu and Sailunga’s areas.
Prof Mwenechanya said the plant will supply an isolated mini-grid to supply power to Luwi Mission Hospital, eight primary schools, three high schools, four rural health centres and one local court.
Others areas to benefit are churches,chiefs palaces, trading centres and several households.
“ REA has completed feasibility studies at four other sites in North Western Province where it intends to set up mini hydro grids” he said.
Prof Mwenechanya said the hydro projects were examples of REA’s diversified strategy for electrification.
Minister of Energy David Mabumba said he expects the project to be completed in good time.Meanwhile, Chief Ntambu thanked government for bringing the project to his chiefdom saying it would improve the people’s livelihood.
“I can assure you that this project will be guarded jealously to ensure that it benefits the local people,” he said.
He also pledged his support to government to ensure that development gets to his area.
Why this PF never open anything, they only commission things they never finish.
Ya! Always commissioning but never functional
You idi.ots, there are several minihydro power plants that have been operational in Mwinilunga and northwestern province in general for over a decade. this is not the first!!!!
With some much water in our country, it’s actually possible to construct mini-hydro power stations to supply some districts and “export” the excess to the national grid. In fact, some of our districts can be self-reliant. I wonder why we can’t have major hydro-power stations in places like Luapula with so much water and steady rainfall.
@2 THIS IS DUE TO LACK OF POLITICAL WILL, FORESIGHT, APPRECIATION OF WHAT ZAMBIA HAS, PLANNING (ETC), RIGHT FROM THE DAY ZAMBIA GAINED IT’S INDEPENDENCE. IN FACT THE LATE MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA HAS OPENED THE EYES OF ZAMBIANS. HE IS THE BEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN IN ZAMBIA. ZAMBIANS HAVE JUST LEARNED THAT ANY PROJECT HASN’T GOT TO TAKE ONE’S LIFE TIME. LUAPULA PROVINCE IS ENDOWED WITH EVERYTHING ONE CAN THINK OF. LUAPULA PROVINCE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE MAIN EXPORTER OF POWER, ANY GRAIN ONE CAN THINK OF, SUGAR CANE AND PROCESSED SUGAR, ANY AGRO PRODUCT, TOURISM, WATER, MINERALS, CULTURE- NAME IT, IT’S KINETICALLY OR POTENTIALLY THERE IN LUAPULA PROVINCE.
Sunshine is available 365 days but you ignore it!!
My thoughts exactly. To compound matters, the cost per kW from the mini-hydro after kickbacks and backhanders to Lungu and his tandem of PFieves, must be collosal. And then there will be a PF Zesco cadre system to be set up to milk these villagers every month. Solar power for people who just require lighting and power for small home appliances would be much cheaper, with no ongoing monthly admin and near-instant availability. No wonder PF are not giving the capital cost of this project because we could easily figure out how much they have stolen.
Pf the commissioners…..
Good job! Let the losers continue to talk, they will never be in that position!
You condemn but first to use. Why can’t we change from opposition to shadow govt or govt in waiting may be some pipo will be responsible
@2.1 Peter. “Sata the best thing that happened to Zambia”!!!! Are you serious??? With Imf coming, unsustainable debt, unplanned districts and roads, chimbwi no plan, I dont know what you are talking about. He was just a master spender, squandering money he did not earn or save. You must be his nephew who gotcan illegal appointment into some foreign service job, earning in dollars and now very rich because of kwachs devaluation and of course who would not say that was the best thing to happen to them?? And by extension to the Zambian people?? Dull chap!!!
Plus Sata ‘s tribal, nepotistic and shambolic administration! Satan and Lungu cannot be disentangled. We got Lungu because Satan was too incompetent to plan his own succession even though it was clear he was dying. PF is the absolute worst thing to happen to Zambia.
Ask Tuberculosis Joswa for answers
How can the board chair go to commissioning of a project, where is the chief Executive officer (Director,?)
The Late President Mr Mwanawasa is the best leader Zambia has ever had, Atlest He new how to balance Income with expenditure, now we are in trouble our country is growing at a more declining rate
Surely ba Zesco why are you treating people of Mtendere east like secondary citizens? Mtendere main and PHI no load shedding but only the former. Strange somebody do something…..