By CHATULA KANGALI –

CONSTRUCTION of the US$220 million Kabompo hydro power station in North-Western Province by  Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC)  is near completion.
It has been revealed that 85 per cent of the pre commencement works and 65 per cent on the 33/11KV substation have so far been done.
CEC Public Relations Officer Muntanga  Sibalwa confirmed the development in an interview yesterday and that about $31.6 million had so far been spent on the project this year.
“The overall progress on the 33/11 KV substation construction project has advanced to 65 per cent completion. The pre-commencement works under the early works agreement have advanced to 65 per cent completion,” she said.
She added that that the Implementation Promotion and Protection agreement (IPPA) was signed with the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) last month which was a milestone in the project.
Ms Sibalwa said once completed, the project is expected to contribute to the alleviation of the national power deficit and provide an emergency power supply source especially for the mines.
She disclosed that the power station will also have a stabilizing effect on the national grid due to its location.
The Kabompo hydro power station will comprise an underground power station of 40 MW generation capacity and an annual energy output of close to 150 GWH.
The project is located approximately 35 km from an extension to the national 330 kv electricity grid being constructed to connect to Kalumbila mining project and town development by first quantum
minerals.
CEC is developing the Kabompo gorge hydro electric project through its subsidiary company called CEC-Kabompo hydro power limited that was incorporated on February, 7, 2012.
The Kabompo gorge hydro electric project was awarded to CEC led consortium by the Zambian Government in 2008.