By CHATULA KANGALI –
Government has halted the establishment of four temporary heavy oil power plants that are aimed at providing emergency power for the country due to financial constraints.
Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary Emeldah Chola said this in an interview yesterday.
Brigadier General Chola said the project had been put on hold because the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) had not been signed due to financial constraints.
She said the Government had, however, concluded the procurement process for the establishment of four diesel power plants of 50 megawatts each.
“The procurement process for the establishment of the four temporary diesel power plants, two  in Lusaka and others in places to be identified, has been concluded.
“However, we are unable to continue with the project because the PPA has not been signed due to financial constraints,” she said.
Brig Gen Chola added that the process would continue later.
Early this year, the Government advertised tenders for the setting up of four diesel power plants that would provide emergency power for the country for a period of one year.
The move to put up the temporary diesel plants was aimed at helping the country continue with the production of goods and services.
Zambia is currently experiencing load-shedding as a result of low water levels in the Kariba Dam.
Currently, only Ndola Energy is producing power using using heavy fuel oils.