ZESCO, through the Lusaka Transmission and Distribution Rehabilitation Project (LTDRP) plans to construct a new segment of the Chilanga to Lusaka West 132 Kilovolt (KV) transmission line at a cost of 20 million United States Dollars.
Acting Chilanga District Commissioner, Maureen Chilende has explained that the government is prioritising urban electrification by accelerating investments in city grid expansion, improving transmission and distribution infrastructure as well as streamlining regulatory processes to ensure reliable, affordable power for residents.
Ms Chilende said this during a special District Development Coordinating Committee Stakeholders’ engagement meeting for the Chilanga -Lusaka West 132KV transmission line project and the upgrading of part of the 33KV transmission line from Chilanga Substation to Mapepe Substation, held at the Council Chambers.
“ I am alive to the fact that change sometimes brings resistance, therefore I urge the members of the District Development Coordinating Committee to be ambassadors of this development in our communities and other stakeholders whom we engage with from time to time,” she stated.
ZESCO Principal Social Officer under the Environmental Sustainability Department, Ngambu Mukwandu explained that the project aims at addressing the critical electricity supply constraints by increasing network capacity, improving reliability and expanding access to underserved low-income communities.
Ms Ngambu noted that one of the objectives of the project is to cater for the increasing demand for electricity supply and enable new customer connections.
“The project is a strategic national initiative aimed at addressing Lusaka’s network infrastructure challenges, supporting sustainable development, delivering socio – economic benefits to Chilanga District,” she emphasised.
She added that ZESCO remained committed to implementing the project in a responsible, inclusive and environmentally sustainable manner.
LTDRP Site Manager, Kennedy Simwanza said the project will be funded by the European Investment Bank with the government contribution to the project.
Mr Simwanza said that once all documentation is in place and consultations with stakeholders are concluded, the project is expected to start late this year or first quarter of next year, with an 18 months completion duration.
