Lungu’s committed to end load shedding – minister

By KETRA KALUNGA
IT took political will and courage for President Edgar Lungu to implement the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station (KLGHPS) project which is game a changer in ending load shedding, says Minister of Energy, Matthews Nkhuwa.
Mr Nkhuwa said despite the government’s commitment to improve the lives of people, it has been criticized heavily for borrowing money to implement massive projects such as the US$ 2.3 billion Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station.
He said borrowing was necessary to carry out projects aimed at growing the country’s economy.
“President Lungu said although this project costs a lot of money, we still need to go ahead and do the project. It took a lot of courage for him to do this project.
The Energy minister was speaking to journalists in an interview when he led provincial ministers in touring the project to appreciate the works done.
And ZESCO managing director Victor Mundende said the 750 megawatts projects was key to the country’s economic growth.
Mr. Mundende said the massive project would increase economic activities in the country because it would reduce the 810 power deficit.
He commended the government for taking the lead in the project adding that without such support the project would not have been completed.
Speaking earlier, Project director, Wesley Mwiindi said works are on course despite the fire accident which took occured last month.
Mr. Lwiindi said about 93 percent of works have been done with the spill gates being constructed assuring that the filling of the reservoir would be done in a week’s time.