RELIEF is underway for sights bearing the harsh reality of the drought as a partnership between government and Power China has taken a progressive step towards ending load shedding and boosting food and water security.
In an update that promises brighter days ahead, Power China revealed that it has identified 60 project sites across the country for electricity generation, agricultural development and water harvesting initiatives.
These projects are part of a comprehensive master plan which is poised to position Zambia as a hub of energy and food sufficiency.
The announcement comes a few months after President Hakainde Hichilema’s landmark visit to China in September, where three transformative power deals were signed.
During the visit, Power China pledged to eliminate Zambia’s load shedding by 2026 which has set the stage for the current progress.
The company’s Chairman Chen Guanfu revealed that these developments are backed by extensive site investigations conducted by a team of 72 Chinese and Zambian engineers who covered over 16,000 kilometers nationwide.
Chen disclosed the good news when he called on President Hakainde Hichilema at State House yesterday.
Among the standout initiatives is the ambitious North to South Water Transfer Project which seeks to divert water from the Luapula River to the Kafue River.
This project is said to be crucial for electricity generation in the southern region and will involve the construction of a canal as reported by Power China.
And President Hichilema spoke on the need to kickstart parts of the project before the master plan’s completion.
“It’s gratifying to see progress in the decisions we made in September. The long term power plan is important to Zambia. We are looking forward to the completion of that master plan. The Kafue river is important in the country. Thank you for the work that you have done so far,” said President Hichilema.
The Head of State further stated that his government remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming Zambia into an energy secure and agriculturally self reliant nation.
And acting Energy minister Collins Nzovu disclosed that feasibility studies for new power plants are already underway.
Nzovu stated that the feasibility studies currently signals accelerated progress toward ending energy insecurity.
Agriculture minister Reuben Mtolo announced plans to establish Agricultural Industrial Parks in Mumbwa and Mkushi with support from Power China and the Zambia National Service (ZNS).
He said the parks will help modernise farming practices and enhance food production across the country.
“Power China has expressed interest to go into PPP with Zambia, there’s a need to develop the modern agriculture project. They seek to develop a modern agricultural industry park with us and we identified ZNS farms and we have since introduced the Power China to ZNS,” he explained.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, November 22, 2024.
