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Government has officially handed over the construction of the KR1.5 million Chanyanya power project in Kafue district to Yenga Tech Limited, the contractor that was awarded the contract to construct the 33KV power line.
The project which is expected to be completed within 14 weeks, is among the 21 electricity grid extension power project that government through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) is currently undertaking countrywide at a total cost of KR249 million.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Chanyanya Basic School in Kafue district yesterday, Mines, Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister Charles Zulu said since the Patriotic Front government came into office, it has not relented in its effort to ensure people have access to reliable sources of energy such as electricity.
Mr Zulu said government will not sit back and watch its citizens suffer, saying the state is committed to ensure that people live dignified and favourable lives.
He said it has only taken the PF government one year and seven months to electrify Chanyanya when the two previous governments failed to take power to the area.
Mr Zulu said this is because of the visionary and focused leadership that President Michael Sata has provided.
The Energy Deputy Minister also disclosed that the contractor has employed 35 local people in the project.
Speaking earlier, REA Executive Director Charles Musonda applauded the support that government has given the authority in the implementation of rural electrification programmes which he said has being shown in the allocation of resources for implementation of projects across the country.
Mr Musonda stated in a speech read for him by REA Corporate Affairs Manager Justin Mukosa that the authority will this year also construct four sub stations and undertake installations of solar panels on major and social institutions.
He assured government that the projects will be completed on schedule and according to the terms and conditions of the contracts.
And area Councillor for Chikupi Ward Visitor Moonga thanked the PF government for taking power to his area that will benefit the school, market, harbour and other institutions in the area.
Mr Moonga urged REA to consider electrifying Mangombe area which lies about four kilometres from Chanyanya Ward.
Meanwhile, District Education Board Secretary Vincent Zyambo disclosed that lack of electricity in Chanyanya has resulted in high teacher exit and low performance among pupils.
Mr Zyambo in a speech read for him by Acting Education Standard Officer Mabvuto Mwale said with the electrification of Chanyanya, school teacher exit levels in the area will be abated and the performance levels of pupils will be enhanced.
He said the electrification of the school will also make it possible for practical subjects such as home economics and wood work to be taught at the school as the equipment that is currently being used in the teaching of practical subjects required the use of electricity.
