By CHATULA KANGALI –
Government has said the process of setting up four temporary diesel plants for electricity generation to mitigate the current deficit the country is facing has reached procurement stage.
Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary Emeldah Chola said the process of setting up four 50 megawatt (MW) diesel plants had advanced.
She said this in an interview yesterday.
Brigadier General Chola said the Government was currently buying equipment and that the project contractor was expected to be identified by the end of January next year.
“The process of putting up four diesel plants, two in Lusaka and the other two in places to be identified, has advanced. Right now, we are at procurement stage.
“The contractor to be engaged to do the works is expected to be identified by the end of January next year,” she said.
Brig Gen Chola said the Government had not yet come up with the total cost of the project because it was still in negotiations with contractors.
Government this year advertised for four diesel-powered plants to be put up across the country to act as an emergency solution to the load-shedding resulting from low water levels in Kariba Dam.
The move to set up the four diesel plants is aimed at helping the country continue with the production of goods and services.
Currently, only Ndola Energy is producing 50MW of electricity using heavy fuel oils.
