REA completes national Luano power grid

The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has completed the connection and energizing of the Luano two grid extension project in Chingola in the Copperbelt province.

The project involved the construction of a 27 kilometre of 11 kV overhead line from the existing 11Kv Ipafu and Mutenda lines to electrify Kalilo, Kansonka, Milopa Milulu and Mutenda areas.

REA Corporate Affairs Manager Justin Mukosa said that the project, which commenced in August 2011 and was completed in December 2012 gobbled a total of K6.2 million or (6.2 billion old currency).

Mr. Mukosa said government, through REA, expects that the completion of the project will benefit the community immensely.

He said the immediate beneficiaries of the project include five basic schools namely George Mwewa, Luankole, Kalilo, Milopa and Kang’wena basic schools.

Other facilities to benefit from the project are Kalilo Rural Health Centre, Kalilo Shopping Centre and Ngosa market.

He said it was expected that with the electrification of facilities such as markets, there will be increased income generation for the community in the project area.

Mr. Mukosa explained that the electrification of the only rural health facility in the area will also help the community get access to improved health care.

He also said the electrification of schools in the area will provide an opportunity for pupil to improve the education standards through use of internet and longer learning hours due to improved lighting and advance staff retention levels among other benefits.

He said the completion of the project will also create a favorable environment for attracting various investments to the area.