The construction of the multi-billion Itezhi-Tezhi Power Corporation(ITPC) will increase power supply in Itezhi-tezhi district from the current 1MVA supplied from Choma to 10 MVA leading to better standard of living and improved economic activity.
The estimated US$ 231 million 120 megawatts power station will comprise Kaplan turbines coupled with Synchronous generator with a generation voltage of 11KV.
ZANIS reports that Itezhi-Tezhi Power Corporation Director Robert Nsamba who disclosed this during a presentation at a stakeholders meeting at Musungwa lodge in Itezhi-tezhi district yesterday assured the stakeholders that power reliability in the district will greatly improve when the power station is operational.
He said that SinoHydro which was awarded the contract through International Competitive Bidding (ICB) process has moved on site and is mobilizing equipment following a kick off meeting held last week in Lusaka.
He said that the 50-50 share holding company between TATA-Africa Holdings and ZESCO will operate on the Built-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT).
This means the power corporation will operate the project for 25 years before handing it over to the government.
Mr. Nsamba noted that Itezhi-Tezhi power Corporation will be the first power project in Zambia to be implemented under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Mr. Nsamba said that the project includes the development of 220KV/330 KV transmission line of about 280 kilometers from Itezhi-Tezhi to Lusaka with a substation at Mumbwa.
He observed that the substation at Mumbwa will ensure supply to mines and farming areas.
He noted that the Itezhi-Tezhi energy project will not only benefit the country alone but also the SADC region which is grappling with an energy crisis.
Mr. Nsamba further said that the commencement of the power project in Itezhi-tezhi district is also an opportunity for people to apply to the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission for funds to set up various businesses that will support the project.
Indian Vice President Mohammad Ansari’s visit to Zambia last year saw the Indian government giving Zambia a US $50 million loan facility to develop the 120-megawatt Itezhi Tezhi hydro power station, aimed at increasing the country’s power generation capacity.
The Itezhi Tezhi hydro power project is a joint venture between ZESCO and Tata Africa Holdings, an Indian company involved in ICT and electric power generation in Africa.
ZANIS
I love the Director but please I want the road to be worked on. Lions may start cropping road users which may breakdown. ITT you are such a wonderful town. You have fish, minerals and game. Now farming Oh work on the road. work on the road, work on the road, work on the road. A priority for RB before elections
Hi Robert Nsamaba how are doing, I have been having difficulties linking up with you. Please keep up serving the nation. Greeting from former classmate ex Solwezi Boys (Form I to V).
RB is a Sangwapo president who can better serve Zambia by going back to the land. Issues of development are beyond him. Let him retire, retire, retire. We need fresh ideas. We need change.
RB is a Sangwapo president who can better serve Zambia by going back to the land. Issues of development are beyond him. Let him retire, retire, retire. We need fresh ideas. We need change.
Election year people will talk and talk next year they go under ground