KALONDE NYATI, Mwinilunga
RURAL Electrification Authority (REA) is expected to establish a 590-kilowatt mini-hydro-power station on Kasanjiko River in Mwinilunga at a cost of US$8.2 million to boost economic activity in the farming district.
REA chief executive officer Geoffrey Musonda said the Kasanjiko mini-hydro-power station to be established in Chief Ntambu’s area will start in the first quarter of next year and will enhance the farming and bee-keeping potential of the area.
Mr Musonda said this on Thursday after inspecting the site earmarked for the project.
REA has since engaged the National Rural Research Institute of Rural Electrification of China to establish the power station that will be managed by the community.
“Kasanjiko mini-hydro-power station is a unique project because it will be managed by the community and will be the first power station to be established by REA,” he said.
Mr Musonda said the project will also involve the construction of a 12-kilometre road to the power station.
He said the procurement process of the equipment has already started.
“The road to Kasanjiko River is impassable. So our project will also include working on the road for easy transportation of equipment to the site,” he said.
In a separate interview, Chief Ntambu said electrification of the area will boost economic activities.