100MW Chisamba solar works begin
By Cecilia Nayame
ZESCO Limited has begun works on the remaining 100 megawatt (MW) Chisamba Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power plant to complete its initial 200MW needed to begin supplying solar electricity.
The phase two power plant project will cost US$76 million.
Speaking at the official launch of the project, Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote said the beginning of the implementation of the Chisamba Phase two project signified government’s commitment to eliminating electricity deficit the country has been experiencing.
He called for community participation if the project was to be completed on time.
“The commencement of the phase two power 100 megawatt Chisamba Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power plant stands as a strong symbol of progress. I, therefore, call for total community participation. Make sure the place is safeguarded once completed,” Chikote said.
He urged Zambians to embrace the projects being implemented by government in changing electricity supply in the country.
“The project we have begun here will benefit all Zambians, much more the local people of this district [Chisamba]…we have issued a directive that the people of this area are the first ones to benefit from this project through creation of jobs,” Chikote said.
Meanwhile, Zesco Limited managing director Justin Loongo is confident the project will bring more development in the country once completed.
Loongo said the power utility is doing everything possible to ensure that phase two of the solar energy project was completed on time.
“Solar energy remains a critical source of concern in our country. Once the project is complete, it will have a meaningful capacity to all Zambians…they will create job opportunities because they [projects] are here to stay,” he said.
PowerChina project manager Tian Hongjun pledged to work within Zambian laws to ensure the project was successfully completed.
“As a company that has partnered with Zesco in this project, we are assuring the Zambian government that we will work within the Zambian laws for us to work successfully. We are also assuring you that this project will continue open for creation of more jobs for the local people,” Tian said.
Zesco Limited is implementing a number of projects across the country to address the crippling electricity deficit.
