JACKSON MAPAPAYI
THE Kasanjiku mini hydro power station in Mwinilunga district will be commissioned in June this year to power chiefdoms schools and some health facilities.
Rural Electrification Authority (REA) board chairman, Johnston Chikwanda, said the Kadanjiku mini hydro power plant was nearing completion and was expected to be commissioned this year.
Mr Chikwanda stated that the hydro power plant which has been constructed at a total cost of $8 million, would power senior chief Sailunga and chief Ntambu chiefdoms among other areas.
“In addition to that, other benefitting facilities will include Luwi School of Nursing, Ntambu Mission, surrounding schools and health posts,” Mr Chikwanda said.
The REA board chairman was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on North-western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu.
He applauded the provincial administration for the support rendered towards the project since it started five years ago.
Mr Chikwanda said that REA would continue to identify water bodies across the country that would allow for similar investment.
In response, Mr Mubukwanu stated that RRA has been instrumental in providing electricity to rural areas in the region.
The Minister that since 2013 the province has seen an upgrade in the energy sector and that all 11 districts in the region are now connected to the national electricity grid.
“This project is one of the major achievements by government which cannot be taken lightly,” said Mr Mubukwanu.
He said the provincial administration was hopeful that with the electrification of all districts, investment in various sectors will start trickling down.
