Maravi

Zesco installs third generator at Kariba

Zesco installs third generator at Kariba
Written by Kabanda Chulu
Sunday, September 27, 2009 2:11:01 AM

ZESCO Limited has finally installed the third generator at Kariba North Bank power station to produce 540 mega watts of power following a fire last week. This forced the power utility to shut down its generating equipment, leading to increased load shedding across the country.

However, load shedding to some areas of Lusaka would continue due to the late arrival of the high voltage step-down transformer that is expected to be installed at the Leopards Hill substation in Lusaka to replace the one that got burnt last June.

Confirming the development yesterday, Zesco Limited acting managing director Cyprian Chitundu said the problems of power shortages that were caused by the fire at the Kariba North Bank power station in Siavonga district were over.

“When fire swept through the power station last week, three machines went off and during the past week we have been working tirelessly to install the machines to full generation and as at yesterday we installed the third machine and now we have full production of 540 mega watts that was taken out when the machines went off,” said Chitundu. “But we have not yet received the high voltage transformer that will be installed at Leopards Hill substation to replace the one that got burnt recently hence we shall be having a few problems of power shortages (load shedding) for some areas of Lusaka.”

Last week, fire swept through the 720 mega watts installed capacity- Kariba North Bank power station, which caused some generating machines to be shutdown and led to loss of lives and several casualties.

However, electricity supply to economic activities such as the mines and other large industries was not affected.

It is not clear how the fire started since Zesco is still carrying out investigations.

However, some sources claimed that the Chinese contractors working at the extension project for two additional machines caused the fire through welding and blasting processes.

Labels: ELECTRIFICATION, ENERGY, KARIBA, ZESCO

posted by MrK @ 1:11 AM