By MELBOURNE MUSHITU –
THE Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has awarded a contract worth K6,174,016 to Astor Investments to construct two solar mini-grids in Central and Luapula provinces.
Astor Investments, a Chinese construction company, is expected to construct the two projects in Chunga area of Mumbwa and Lunga districts.
REA chief executive officer (CEO) Geoffrey Musonda said the two projects would increase access to electricity in the two communities.
Mr Musonda said the generated electricity would benefit a number of institutions, business entities and private households in the two project areas.
He said during the contract signing ceremony in Lusaka yesterday that the country had not explored the full potential of solar energy as a source of electricity despite having an excellent sun regime.
“This is a massive investment which is meant to create an enabling environment for our people in rural areas to engage in productive activities which will contribute to the overall economic development of our country,” Mr Musonda said.
Mr Musonda said the authority would also construct another 200 kilowatts mini-grid plant in Kafue National Park in Chunga.
He said the target initial beneficiary for the plant was the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) which would provide electricity to more than 480 households in the area.
Mr Musonda has since urged Astro Investments to expeditiously execute the works on the two projects in order to have the desired results.
“REA will not accept anything below the quality and time schedules stipulated in the contract documents,” he said.
Mr Musonda said REA was working on promoting the solar energy technology by investing in solar energy across the country.
He commended the Government for funding the two projects which would benefit all Zambians.