- Zambian President Lungu has commissioned a hydropower plant
- The first unit commissioned at Chikankata district
Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu has commissioned the first unit at the Kafue Gorge hydropower station in the Chikantata district in Southern Zambia. The power plant is expected to add 750MW to the national grid.
Speaking at the commissioning event, President Lungu said, ”Our country has, over the years, seen increased demand for electricity to power activities,” ”Demand has been in various sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, industries, education, healthcare services, and indeed our homes. The growth on demand for power has necessitated accelerated investments in power generation and transmission infrastructure.”, he added.
President Lungu further stated the commitment of his administration to improving electricity supply in the country and making Zambia the electricity hub in Southern Africa. In the last seven years, a total of 1,350MW of generation was added to the national grid.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Jie commended Chinese firm, Sinohdydro for funding the project. He also noted that the Kafue Gorge hydropower project was implemented under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative.