Govt,KfW Sign 41.5 Euro Power Deal

By Sharon Kunda-Government and KfW Development Bank of Germany have signed a 41.5 million Euro grant for the rehabilitation and extension of Chishimba Falls Hydro power plant in the Northern Province.And Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu says government has committed itself to growing and diversifying the energy sector by expanding power generation and transmission capabilities.Dr. Ng’andu  notes that Zambia’s hydro power generation capacity is slightly below 3-thousand megawatts despite having a 6 thousand megawatts hydro power potential.He says increased access to electricity for rural populations is among the benefits to be accrued from the rehabilitation and up-grading of the Chishimba Falls Power Station.The Finance Minister said this during the grant agreement signing ceremony in Lusaka.And German Ambassador to Zambia Achim Burkart  said the project will include upgrading existing civil structures and construction of a new power station with a foreseen capacity of 15 megawatts.Mr. Burkart  further said that the project will support the site with touristic development by turning the retired part of the plant into a museum and finance a new health centre with maternity services.Meanwhile ZESCO Managing Director Victor Mundende said Chishimba Falls hydropower Station which is currently at 6 megawatts will be upgraded to 15 megawatts through the 24 months project. Post Views: 7
News Source: ZNBC