…as 4 more mini-hydro stations head for NW

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 13:23:44 +0000

THE Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has completed feasibility studies for construction of mini-hydro power stations in four sites in North-Western Province.

REA board chairperson Prof. Jorry Mwenechanya identified the sites as Chikata Falls in Kabompo with a generation capacity of 3.5 MW, Chanda-Chavuma Falls (15 MW), Mujila Falls in Mwinilunga (1.4 MW) and Zengamina in Ikelenge with 700 KW.

Prof. Mwenechanya said ZESCO was currently developing Mujila Falls project while Zengamina project has been handed over to Zengamina Hydro Company to implement.

He said a developer for Chikata Falls was yet to be identified while Chanda-Chavuma project has been handed over to the Ministry of Energy to attract a private investor.

Prof. Mwenechanya disclosed this during the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a K90 million Kasanjiku mini-hydro power station which was graced by republican Vice-President, Inonge Wina, in Mwinilunga yesterday.

Prof. Mwenechanya said all the 590 KiloWatts that will be generated from Kasanjiku mini-hydro power station will be used to service communities within Senior Chief Sailunga and Chief Ntambu areas.

He said initially, REA was targeting to supply power to the mission hospital, eight primary schools, three high schools, four rural health centres, the local court, Catholic parish, chiefs’ palaces, a training centre and several houses within the catchment area.

Speaking at the same function, North-Western Province permanent secretary, Ephraim Mateyo, implored people in the affected areas to jealously guard the projects because it was meant to benefit them.