$200m hydropower plant will develop W/Province
By Edwin Mbulo in Kaoma
Sun 12 May 2013, 14:00 CAT
THE US$200 million investment in the first ever hydropower generation plant in Western Province's Sioma district will economically develop the area, says provincial minister Obvious Mwaliteta.
Western Power Company will set up a hydropower plant at Ngonye Falls, which is expected to generate up to 80 megawatts of power.
Western Province is currently one of the least developed areas of Zambia and the coming of the hydropower plant which will partly be funded by the Development Bank of South Africa is expected to boost the area's economic standing and ultimately create jobs for the local people.
The power project will utilise a barrage across the main east bank river channel of the Zambezi and a pit type power house.
Commenting on the development, Mwaliteta said Western Province was moving at a fast rate in terms of development.
"The EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) done by Western Power was welcomed by people and the BRE (Barotse Royal Establishment) is behind it as well meaning it is a welcome idea and it will create employment and the new district, Sioma, will benefit a lot from the station in terms of social corporate responsibility which will come along with that development," he said.
Mwaliteta said the PF's promises of job creation were coming to pass.
He said the government was also looking at increasing revenue collection for economic development through tourism which would be enhanced around Sioma-Ngonye Falls with the construction of the power station.
"Tourism is ripe in that place. But due to its status it is difficult to improve tourism in that area, but once we have a power station there, it will be easy as we have a new road," Mwaliteta said.
He said the investment by Western Power Company was a realisation of the government's commitment to allow private investors help develop Zambia.
"It is our vision and our belief to bring the private sector to help us bring development where it is lacking," he said.
Mwaliteta said Western Province would no longer be an example of a least developed region in Zambia with the new developments coming up.
"People in Lusaka if they want to talk of the worst place, they will mention Shangombo, if they want to talk of the worst province, it is Western Province but come 2016 if they want to talk of the newly developed place it will be Western Province. This power station will change the lives of the people," he said. "It is unfortunate that we are in a political scenario where the opposition is trying to put pressure on this government so that we can lose track, but we will not lose track because we are on solid ground and a lot of people have confidence in us, apart from small boys such as Nevers Mumba, Hakainde Hichilema and Fr Frank Bwalya."
Meanwhile, Mwaliteta said the PF and its government had brought first Republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda close to them because they want to learn from his vast experience in political administration.
Addressing government and private sector heads of department in Kaoma yesterday, Mwaliteta said the current government would not abandon Dr Kaunda's legacy the way the MMD did.
"We as a government will work very hard so that we do not abandon where we come from. We should look back, that is why we have brought Dr Kenneth Kaunda close to us so that we learn something while he is still alive, it is important that we are with him because we went wrong. As a country we made a lot of mistakes from 1991," he said.
And Mwaliteta said the Constituency Development Fund had been highly politicised and was being used as an appeasement fund by members of parliament to seek support for 2016.
"I'm not threatened politically, I'm ready to step down if I'm a failure. I will surrender that money so that it speaks for me. I never touched the KR1.3 million for 2012 and KR1.3 million for this year, I have already given it out for capital projects since the council is fully equipped. CDF is government money and not a member of parliament's money; it is for the constituency. It must benefit the people. It is even better to give it to the council to provide services," he said.
He said it was sad that police in Mwandi where MMD vice president Michael Kaingu is member of parliament were operating under a tree until the PF's government kick-started the construction of a police post in the area.
Mwaliteta urged the councils to start taking land from the rich to give to the poor.
"What has been happening in Zambia is that we have been taking land from the poor to give the rich…," said Mwaliteta.
Labels: ENERGY, HYDRO POWER, OBVIOUS MWALITETA
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ZESA starts US$70m Zambia debt payments
19/02/2013 00:00:00
by Business Reporter
ZESA said Tuesday it had started paying a $70 million debt to Zambia, a necessary step before the two nations can embark on a joint 1,600 megawatt hydroelectric plant, which could help relieve a power shortage.
The two countries have started preliminary work on the Batoka power project, estimated to cost $2.5 billion, and expected to be built and operated by a private company for a period of years before transferring ownership to the two states.
ZESA Chief Executive Elijah Chifamba told a parliamentary committee hearing the utility had started making payments to Zambia to clear the debt incurred when Zimbabwe sold off assets of a disbanded power firm jointly owned by the two countries to run hydroelectric plants at the Kariba dam.
Chifamba said Zimbabwe will have paid $40 million to the Zambians by the end of March.
“Zesa has paid US$20 million after the creation of a sinking fund with a local bank and should have paid an additional US$20 million by the end of March this year,” he said.
“The amount should be cleared by the end of March next year with work on the project expected to begin within 18 months as expressions of interest had been advertised.
"Zambians needed to see first that we were committed to settling that debt and to demonstrate that we are bona fide partners before they could actually enter into the Batoka project. Because we have done so, that has unlocked the project."
Batoka is situated 50kms downstream of Victoria Falls and with the two countries expecting to get 800 MW each from the project.
Zambia had refused to partner Zimbabwe until the Federation-era debt was cleared. The debt also includes proceeds of the sale of assets belonging to former Central African Power Corporation (CAPCO) which ran the Kariba project but was disbanded in 1987.
Zimbabwe, which currently generates just over 1,000 MW of power or about half of peak demand, has struggled to get funding for new projects to expand capacity, largely due to concerns about the handling of the country’s economy. The resulting power shortage has paralysed mines and industries.
Chifamba said ZESA, which is owed $740 million by non-paying customers, was struggling to raise long-term finance to fund its projects. The company has, however, cleared $100 million in debt for importing power owed to Mozambique's Hydro Cahorra Bassa.
The utility signed a $400 million deal with Chinese hydropower engineering firm Sinohydro in December to expand its Kariba hydroelectric plant by 300 megawatts.
Zimbabwe is in discussions with Export-Import Bank of China over funding the expansion.
The country has licensed several independent power producers, but analysts say it is unlikely to attract significant foreign investment due to Mugabe's drive to force foreign firms, including mines and banks, to turn over 51 percent ownership stakes to locals under a black economic empowerment law.
Labels: ELIJAH CHIFAMBA, ENERGY, HYDRO POWER, ZESA
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MP sees Sioma Falls as WP power source
By Edwin Mbulo in Shangombo
Wed 29 Aug. 2012, 10:11 CAT
SINJEMBELA member of parliament Njulu Poniso says the Ngonye-Sioma Falls in Shangombo has the capacity to produce electricity for the whole Western Province. And tourism and arts minister Sylvia Masebo has appealed to the Shangombo community to approach the government through the district commissioner's office to see how they can source funds for various programmes.
During the launch of infrastructure development of Ngonye-Sioma Falls by Masebo, Poniso appealed to the government to consider building a hydro-electric power station at the Ngonye-Sioma Falls in Sioma.
"Power can be generated from the Sioma Falls, the district accommodates power lines to the province but has no electric power. We request the government to consider building a power station here for us to have power," said Poniso.
Zambia has a huge hydro-power capacity considering the abundance of its water resources but lacks investments in the industry due to their costly nature.
So far, the government has planned to develop mini-hydro stations across the country to increase generation capacity to mitigate load shedding brought about by increasing demand for power.
And Masebo said the major problem between the people and the government was lack of communication on how they can source government funds.
"The PF government and I personally will work with you as I have seen that you have the initiative to help yourselves. Until we jointly start educating communities that the natural resources do not belong to President Michael Sata, Masebo or Zawa but that these belong to the communities, we will not conserve them," she said.
Meanwhile, Induna Inandunko of Sitoti village in Shangombo said the PF's aim to eliminate poverty through tourism and arts showed that its government was for the people.
Mulala Mubita Kamutumwa said the launch of the infrastructure development programme to the Ngonye-Sioma Falls was an eye-opener and that it did not come by chance.
Labels: HYDRO POWER, SHANGOMBO
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Zambia, Zimbabwe seal $4 billion power deal
TIME PUBLISHED - Thursday, April 26, 2012, 2:26 pm
President Michael Sata who is on a State visit to neighboring Zimbabwe yesterday together with his counterpart Robert Mugabe witnessed the signing of the MoU on co-operation to jointly construct a US$4 billion 1,650 megawatt hydro-power station at the Batoka Gorge. The two Memorandums of Understanding signed were of Co-operation in Tourism and Youth Development.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi and
Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere signed on behalf of Zimbabwe while Zambian Foreign Affairs and
Tourism Minister Given Lubinda signed on behalf of Zambia.
And Zimbabwe’s Herald Newspaper reports that speaking during a state banquette held in honour of President Sata, President Mugabe pledged Zimbabwe’s commitment to working with its Zambian counterparts in efforts to chart a successful future for the two countries.
President Mugabe described Zimbabwe and Zambia as Siamese twins, adding that the two countries are inseparable.
The Zimbabwean leader also hailed the signing of the MOU on co-operation to jointly construct a US$4 billion hydro-power station at Batoka Gorge, stating that such infrastructural projects are the enablers of real and sustainable economic development.
He said the project is as important to the two countries as it is to the whole Southern Africa region which is experiencing a critical power deficit.
And President Sata said Zambia and Zimbabwe’s relations, dating back to the pre-independence era, were founded on common traditions and cultural values.
He said Zambia could not celebrate its independence without the liberation of Zimbabwe.
Mr Sata said the signing of the two MoUs by the two governments would further enhance social and economic relations.
President Sata re-affirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through increased economic co-operation in various areas, as identified by the Joint Permanent Commission of Co-operation.
The President Sata said since the two countries are landlocked, Zambia and Zimbabwe have made strides to make them land-linked through the Chirundu One-Stop-Border Post.
He said this had improved efforts towards trade facilitation particularly on the North-South Corridor and reducing costs on the route.
Mr Sata said the UNTWO General Assembly will shine the spotlight on Victoria Falls and Livingstone while showcasing the beauty and splendour of the Victoria Falls. President Sata said co-operation within the region was imperative.
[QFM]
Labels: ENERGY, GIVEN LUBINDA, HYDRO POWER, MICHAEL SATA, ROBERT MUGABE, SAVIOUR KASUKUWERE
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Foreign-owned mines not affected by load shedding
By Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Fri 17 Feb. 2012, 12:00 CAT
FOREIGN mining firms on the Copperbelt Energy Corporation power supply line remain unaffected by increased load shedding that has rocked the country since last Tuesday. Last Monday, Zesco Limited warned of increased load shedding in the next two weeks as a result of the shutdown of a key generating machine at Kariba North Bank Hydropower Station.
Director for corporate affairs and business development Bestty Phiri said Zesco had forecast that local power demand of 1,600 megawatts would be outstripped as during the period of the shutdown, only 1,474 megawatts would be available.
"During the machine outage, 165 megawatts will not be available on the national grid thereby resulting in a power deficit during that period. The deficit will necessitate load shedding in order to balance the available generation capacity with demand," said Phiri.
But CEC managing director for operations Neil Croucher said foreign mining firms on the Copperbelt remained immune from the current increased load shedding which has hit mostly, domestic, small-scale and other industrial consumers.
"We have not had any specific requests so far this week. We had a request last week which we acted upon when Zesco has a problem at the power station," said Croucher in an interview.
"Not at this stage have we been requested to cut back on power uptake from Zesco but we are prepared for that should it come through."
Labels: CEC, ENERGY, HYDRO POWER, LOAD SHEDDING, MINING
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Zimbabwe, Zambia to meet over Batoka project
Wednesday, 11 January 2012 00:00
Tawanda Musarurwa Business Reporter
THE Batoka hydropower project could soon become a reality as Zimbabwean and Zambian energy ministers are due to meet later this month to formalise the start of the project. Zimbabwe has in recent years been plagued by crippling energy shortages. The Batoka project is among long-term projects with the potential to increase power output.
According to reports in the Zambian media, the two countries' energy ministers are scheduled to meet in Siavonga, Zambia, for a second round of talks on January 22-23.
The meeting comes after a recent visit to Zambia by Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma.
The Zimbabwean Government recently agreed to settle the outstanding US$70 million asset debt owed to Zambia, paving the way for the delayed construction of the 1650-megawatt Batoka hydropower station.
The debt was for the shared cost of the Kariba Dam construction and the associated infrastructure. It also involved the sale of the Central African Power Corporation (Capco) assets which both countries owned as members of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, which was dissolved in 1963.
But Zimbabwe may have to pay more than the US$70 million, the principal sum.
Zambian Energy Minister Christopher Yaluma said the money owed to his country has since accrued interest, which he could not disclose.
"The total principal debt is US$70,8 million, but it has over the years accrued interest," he said.
"I met with my counterpart from Zimbabwe recently who indicated that they were ready to pay off the debt."
The Batoka hydropower station project was jointly mooted in 1993 but the Zambian government was reluctant to undertake the project because of the outstanding debt owed by Zimbabwe.
The agreement by Zimbabwe to pay the debt would now pave the way for the construction of the strategic project located below the Victoria Falls.
Zambia has now agreed to co-operate in the construction process, which will in- crease power generation capacity for both countries.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is currently working on some medium-term projects at its Hwange and Kariba power stations that are expected to add an additional 800 megawatts to the national grid by 2015.
Labels: ENERGY, HYDRO POWER, ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE
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Zambia,China sign three economic agreements
TIME PUBLISHED - Thursday, December 29, 2011, 9:22 pm
The Zambian government and the people’s republic of China have today signed three economic and technical cooperation exchange notes on the Levy Mwanawasa hospital, the anti Malaria centre and the dispatch of experts on the mini-hydro power plants.
Under the agreements, the people’s republic of China will supply extra medical equipment to Levy Mwanawasa hospital at an approximate cost of 7.9 billion kwacha as well as supplying equipment and consumables for the anti-malaria centre in Chainama at an approximate cost of 1.2 billion kwacha.
Also under the agreement, China will dispatch a team of experts to Zambia to undertake feasibility studies on the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Musonda Falls Hydro power plant in Luapula province as well as the Chishimba Falls hydro power plant in Northern Province.
Speaking after signing on behalf of the Zambian Government, finance and national planning minister Alexander Chikwanda says the disbursements will come in the form of grants as stipulated in the broader agreement of economic and technical cooperation between the two governments.
Dr. Chikwanda says signed agreements is clear evidence and testimony of how warm, cordial and fraternal bilateral relations and cooperation existing between the two countries.
And speaking after signing on behalf of the Chinese government, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Zhou Yuxiao says the signing of the agreement is a contribution in the realization of the Patriotic Front government’s governance objectives.
Ambassador Zhou says China’s main interest is in people oriented developmental projects that provide better services for the general public.
QFM
Labels: CHINA, ENERGY, HEALTHCARE, HYDRO POWER
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Power cuts till December
Herald Reporter
Major power cuts are expected across Zimba-bwe until December following the reduction of generation at Kariba Power Station for the annual maintenance exercise that began last Friday. Kariba will be churning out 650 megawatts, down from 750 MW.
Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira yesterday said the maintenance work was supposed to be done earlier this year but was deferred due to poor performance at Hwange Power Station that made it impossible to reduce Kariba’s output.
He said the power utility was looking at the possibility of imports from regional suppliers to cover its customers.
The imports will augment supplies from Hwa-nge and Munyati thermal power stations.
"Kariba undergoes statutory maintenance every year and this was supposed to be done in April but was deferred as a result of poor performance at Hwange.
"The work has now resumed because generation of power at Hwange has improved and we have recently fired Munyati Power Station, which is generating 40 megawatts.
"The maintenance work is expected to run up until before Christmas. Our internal supply will be depressed during the period and, obviously, load-shedding will increase outside the normal schedule," he said.
Mr Gwasira said two generators, with a generating capacity of more than 200MW, will be switched on at regular intervals during servicing to allow continued electricity supplies to the nation.
Mr Gwasira said Kariba had three generators that supplied two transformers that feed into the national grid.
He said electricity consumers would be advised as and when the power utility would switch off the transformers to avoid inconveniences.
Meanwhile, Zesa Holdings has failed to comply with the Competition and Tariff Commission’s order to use proper meter readings instead of estimates when billing its customers.
A survey by The Herald showed that most Zesa customers last month received estimated bills.
Mr Gwasira yesterday refused to comment on the issue, saying it was a process that could not be accomplished overnight.
The parastatal’s customers have often complained that the estimated bills were far above their consumption.
Many consumers have not regularly paid their electricity bills since the formalisation of foreign currency transactions in February last year.Labels: ENERGY, HYDRO POWER, KARIBA DAM
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Govt courts Turkish investors to tap hydropower potential
By Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Mon 19 July 2010, 04:01 CAT
ENERGY minister Kenneth Konga has said the country is wooing Turkish investors to come and develop Zambia’s vast hydropower potential, especially in the Northern part. In an interview, Konga said he met some Turkish investors when he accompanied President Rupiah Banda on a trip to the eastern European country.
"We had a meeting with Turkish investors and they are very keen to invest in the hydropower sector,” Konga said. “So we are just waiting for relevant instruments to be formalised between Zambia and Turkey and then we will invite them to come over here.”
Konga said the government wanted to exploit the energy potential in the northern part of the country to spur increasing investments in mining and agriculture in the area.
He said the government would also explore hydropower projects on the Zambezi River such as Batoka Gorge and Devils Gorge as well as the potential on Luapula waters.
Luapula Province is said to have hydropower potential of 950 megawatts.
“The interest was overwhelming and they are ready to come immediately we formalise the agreement,” he said.
“They are very upbeat... especially the hydropower sector because they are aware of the fact that the region, not only Zambia, has got a deficit of energy and Zambia has got potential for clean energy, so, they do realise that there is a good market in the region for clean energy.”
Konga said the Turkish investors were looking at exploring the local energy sector to include provisions for exports.
“They are saying if we develop this potential, we see the market beyond Zambia,” said Konga.
“…We are focusing our attention on the northern part of Zambia; the existing development in the energy sector is more in the Southern part of the country and then we have to construct long transmission lines to load centres in the Copperbelt, North Western, Luapula but there is potential for hydropower. Luapula itself has potential for agriculture and mining which is waiting for the energy sector to be delivered so that this other potential can be harnessed.”
Labels: ENERGY, HYDRO POWER, KENNETH KONGA, TURKEY
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Govt asks Chinese firm to build hydropower stations
By Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Mon 08 Feb. 2010, 04:00 CAT
THE government has asked Chinese giant construction company Gezhouba Group, to consider building the US$1.5 billion hydropower stations through public private partnership, commerce deputy minister Dr Lwipa Puma has said.
Dr Puma said the government wanted Gezhouba Group to also consider developing the Kabompo hydropower stations as the Chinese company scouted for investment opportunities in the country.
Gezhouba Group operates its businesses through contract construction of projects, which include power plants, dams, roads, bridges and civil engineering in China and foreign countries.
According to official data, the development of the 600 megawatts Kafue Gorge Lower hydropower plant was expected to be commissioned in 2017.
“They haven’t picked on any project yet but we have asked them to look at Kafue Gorge Lower hydropower station which we want to construct using public private partnership,” Dr Puma said in an interview. “They want to explore areas of investment opportunities so that we can partner where it is possible…they Gezhouba Group specialise in hydropower installation and transmission lines among other things.”
Dr Puma said Gezhouba Group was coming to the country at the appropriate time when the country was pursuing public private partnership in developing huge infrastructural projects.
He said Gezhouba Group would also meet finance minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane among other government officials as they planned to explore the country’s investment plans.
“They are also looking at mining in general, looking at possibilities of setting up a cement manufacturing plant…they are basically on the fact-finding mission,” said Dr Puma.
Labels: CHINESE, HYDRO POWER
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Take higher interest in financing power plants, Chitundu urges govt
Written by Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 4:49:09 PM
THERE is need for policy reversal to increase state participation in financing new power plants in the country, Zesco acting managing director Cyprian Chitundu has said.
Zesco is currently in talks with Export and Import Bank of China, Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and European Investment Bank (EIB), among other key international banks, for a US $640 million loan to increase power generation by 480 megawatts by 2012 to meet the growing demand.
Chitundu said Zesco currently generates 1,800 megawatts of electricity which was expected to be upped to 2,280 megawatts once Kariba North Bank extension and the Itezhi tezhi projects were completed by 2012.
“If we are to meet growing need for investment in new power plants, we will need policy reversal to have the government take higher interest because of the high cost of the projects,” Chitundu said.
“We have seen it in the United States of America where the government has taken a stake in the banks and even companies like GM [General Motors].”
And Chitundu has disclosed that Zesco had almost sealed a US $420 million loan with Exim Bank of China for the 360 mega watts Kariba North Bank extension project expected to come on stream by 2012.
He said Exim Bank demanded a 15 per cent of the total cost of the project ($60 million) to be met by Zambia, the money which Zesco had sourced from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
“We are almost at the point of closing the deal as we are on the dotted line,” Chitundu said. “The loan repayment is between 15 - 20 years and this money is not borrowed on Zesco balance sheet but we have created special purpose vehicle called Kariba North Bank Extension Company to ensure the loan is repaid using the cash stream once the [power] plants start production and we would be signing power purchase agreement with potential buyers of power.”
Chitundu said Zesco was simultaneously looking at sourcing US $220 million from AfDB and EIB for the development of the Itezhi tezhi power station.
The Itezhi tezhi power station would also be financed via project financing under the Itezhi tezhi Power Corporation which will be responsible for loan repayment through power sales.
“Our team from Zesco including our transaction advisors and DBSA will be travelling to Tunisia next week to negotiate with AfDB and we are hopeful that by next year June, we will have achieved the finance closure,” he said.
He said the development of the 120 mega watts power station in Itezhi tezhi would also involve construction of the power line to connect the plant to the national grid.
Chitundu said the two new power plants would be adequate to help Zambia meet the growing energy demand especially with new investments in the vast mining industry.
“But after 2012, we will need to look at developing other new projects like the Kafue Gorge Lower hydropower station which is 750 MW and needs an investment of about $1.5 billion,” said Chitundu. “We will need new investment in power generation facilities otherwise there will be severe shortages of electricity similar to the situation we experienced in the last few years.”
Labels: CYPRIAN CHITUNDU, ENERGY, HYDRO POWER
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Zesco losing K1.3bn per day
Written by Florence Bupe
Monday, September 21, 2009 4:49:20 PM
ZESCO Limited is losing in excess of US $300,000 [about K1.3 billion] per day due to non-generation of power at the Kariba North Bank Hydro Power Station following a fire that swept through the station last Friday. And energy minister Kenneth Konga on Saturday visited the funeral houses of two victims of the Kariba North Bank inferno where he donated three bags of mealie meal and packets of beef.
In an interview, Zesco acting managing director Cyprian Chitundu said the power utility was losing substantial amounts of income as the station had halted power generation. Chitundu said 540 mega watts of power were being lost on a daily basis.
“We are losing an average of US $300,000 of income daily, which is quite substantial. However, we will only be able to assess the total revenue loss after we rectify the problem. We are working round the clock to ensure that we clear the debris from the inferno as soon as possible, and we hope by Monday [today] we should be able to resume normal supply to our customers so that major economic activities are not affected,” he said.
Chitundu said the loss went beyond physical infrastructure and direct revenue.
“There will definitely be a loss in confidence from our customers and the public at large. Our staff will also be traumatised, and this in itself, could affect their output. It is unfortunate that we are not able to foresee such events. We were in the process of expanding generation through additional infrastructure, and this is definitely a blow to our efforts. Power generation is a dynamic undertaking, and therefore it is hard to completely avoid such happenings,” Chitundu said.
Two people were burnt to death in the tunnels of the power plant, while more than 33 were hospitalised with burns and respiratory disorders as a result of fume inhalation.
Of the number that was admitted, 25 victims have been discharged, while one has been evacuated to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) with 48 degree burns to the abdomen and upper legs, and is said to be in a critical condition.
And Konga visited the funeral houses of the two victims last Saturday afternoon, at which he donated three bags of mealie meal.
Konga consoled the bereaved families, and said the government would assist with the funeral expenses.
“What happened has already happened. All you have to do is put everything in God’s hands and he will see you through. If you need anything, you can inform Zesco management and we will be able to take care of it,” he said.
Earlier after a preliminary inspection of the gutted site, Konga expressed anger at the non-compliance of safety standards by the Chinese contractor Sinohydro, whom he blamed for the fire.
“It is lack of observance of safety rules that leads to such tragedies. The Chinese need to work in line with the Zambian law; it’s either they do that or we find ways of terminating their contract,” Konga said. “The preliminary investigations show that the fire started from the contractor’s site as a result of a spark from welding works. Despite efforts made to put out the fire, the inferno spread. It is unfortunate that we have lost lives in the process. There was clearly an element of negligence and lack of adherence to safety regulations.”
Konga said once experts assessed the complete level of damage to the powerhouse, the government would move in if required to repair the damage.
However, he could not estimate in value terms how much damage had been caused to the plant.
Konga disclosed that he had summoned the leadership of Sinohydro to get an explanation on the accident.
He said the Zambian government would write to the Chinese government to express disappointment on the work culture and attitude of most Chinese firms.
Konga commended the Zimbabwean Fire Brigade and the Zambian armed forces for their effort in putting out the fire.
Labels: HYDRO POWER, KARIBA, ZESCO
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IFC urges enhanced funding to Kafue Gorge Lower project
Written by Florence Bupe
Friday, January 30, 2009 3:17:30 AM
THE International Finance Corporation (IFC) has called on government to enhance its funding support to the Kafue Gorge Lower hydro power project to make the venture more economically viable.
And the corporation has disclosed that 15 international companies have expressed interest in investing in the power generation project.
Presenting a progress report on the status of the project to government yesterday, IFC senior investment officer for infrastructure advisory Javier Calvo said the project was on schedule but called on government to find ways of making it more bankable.
“The project’s preparatory stage is near completion, and we are on schedule, but we need government support to make the project more bankable,” he said.
He said the role of government through public funding support was very crucial in determining the success of the project.
Calvo said the lending market was currently tight and that it was vital for government to come up with concessionary terms for the development of the project.
He further disclosed that the feasibility exercise was likely to be completed by early next year.
Calvo said IFC had already assessed the project risks and expressed optimism that the project would receive a favourable response.
And Energy permanent secretary Peter Mumba said the government was still committed to the development of cost-reflective electricity rates and would adjust tariffs accordingly in the next few years in order to attract investments in the energy sector.
Mumba also encouraged local companies to bid in the Kafue Gorge Lower project once the tender was advertised.
The Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), in partnership with Swiss mining giant Glencore International AG, planned a joint venture to bid for the development of the US $1.5 million hydro power plant at Kafue Gorge Lower.
Labels: HYDRO POWER, INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION, KAFUE
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Olympic Milling to build hydropower plant in Kawambwa
Written by Nchima Nchito
Saturday, November 22, 2008 9:29:49 AM
LUAPULA Province acting permanent secretary Clement Siame has said Olympic Milling Company is expected to construct a 218 mega watts hydropower plant at Lumangwe Falls in Kawambwa district. In an interview, Siame said Olympic Milling had been chosen as a prospective developer of a hydropower plant at Lumangwe Falls.
“This is enough to power the entire Northern, Luapula and Central provinces,” he said. Siame said Luapula Province was currently receiving only about 15 mega watts from the national grid.
“This has hindered the nature and magnitude of investments that we receive in the province. But with the Lumangwe Falls power plant becoming operational, we will see more investments coming into Luapula,” he said.
Siame also said the 218 mega watts that Lumangwe is expected to produce once the construction of the power plant is completed would also assist in mitigating the countrywide power shortages.
“As of now, Zesco has to transport power all the way from Kafue Gorge to Luapula Province. This is expensive for the company. Lumangwe could solve this problem and perhaps even have enough power to export to neighboring countries,” said Siame.
Labels: DAWSON SIAME, ENERGY, HYDRO POWER, OLYMPIC MILLING
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