CEC stakes $120m on power project By ALEX NJOVU COPPERBELT

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CEC stakes $120m on power project
By ALEX NJOVU

COPPERBELT Energy Company (CEC) is to spend US$120 million on the development of the Kabompo Gorge hydro-electric project on Kabompo River in North Western Province.

Managing director for operations Neil Croucher says the project will be completed in 2013.

Mr Croucher says the company is committed to developing strategic partnerships with technical and financial resources to realise a shared vision of energy infrastructure development in Zambia and surrounding territories.

He said the company has in the past implanted several developmental projects such as US$ 35 million investment to connect Konkola Copper Mine’s Nchanga smelter and Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) to the CEC system.

“Other projects include the US$ 11 million investment to connect First Quantum’s Frontier mine to the CEC system and US$10 million investment to replace and refurbish CEC system assets,” Mr Croucher said.

Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister Lubinda Imasiku has commended Copperbelt Energy Corporation for its continued contribution to the country’s economy.

Speaking when he toured the electricity firm in Kitwe last Friday, Mr Imasiku said he was impressed with the operations of the company. He said its plans to develop the hydro power plant on Kabompo River will go a long way in reducing power outages that the region has been experiencing.

“We would like to encourage you to continue with your plans to construct the Kabompo gorge hydro scheme. It is a viable project which needs the support of all the stakeholders in the country,” Mr Imasiku SAID.
He said government is happy that CEC has been consistent in supplying power to mining companies.
Mr Imasiku pointed out that mining houses have continued contributing positively to the development of the country’s economy.

“We have never received complaints from mining companies about power outages and we are very happy about this and you have proved that you are a real partner in the development of the country,

“We would like to encourage you to continue implementing viable projects which are meant at developing the electricity sector in the country and in the region,” Mr Imasiku said.