President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the residents of Sinazongwe to support the Maamba thermal power expansion project, emphasizing its potential to drive economic growth and create opportunities for the local community. The President made these remarks during a public rally at Kanzinze Stadium in Sinazongwe, following the commissioning of the Maamba Energy Limited Phase II thermal plant, a $400 million investment set to double the plant’s capacity to 600 megawatts.
Addressing the crowd, President Hichilema highlighted the achievements of his administration over the past three years, including delivering on key promises such as providing free education and increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). “We have brought peace, you are freely moving about with no intimidation, we have employed your children as teachers, nurses, and army officers across the country,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Zambians.
The President assured the people of Sinazongwe that his administration is dedicated to completing critical infrastructure projects, including the Maamba-Batoka road, and enhancing the economic status of both the district and the province. He urged residents to embrace the thermal power expansion project, which he noted would open doors for local businesses through contracts and linkages with the mines. “You will start doing business through contracts with the mines, ensure you support the project, it will also support you,” he added.
At the event, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, commended President Hichilema’s leadership, stating that Zambia is on a path of recovery. He called on the public to continue supporting the President’s vision, particularly in the energy sector.
The Maamba thermal power expansion project, slated for completion in 24 months, represents a significant step towards addressing Zambia’s energy deficit. President Hichilema noted that the project is a testament to the government’s determination to achieve energy security and praised the successful resolution of conflicts between Maamba Energy and ZESCO, which had previously hindered progress.
The President also emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility in the implementation of the project and called on the power plant management to prioritize the employment of locals.
In a related matter, President Hichilema advised residents in areas affected by the recent anthrax outbreak in Southern Province to avoid consuming carcasses of animals that succumb to the disease and to ensure their livestock are vaccinated. The government, he assured, is working diligently to control the outbreak.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, speaking at the same event, highlighted the long-term impact of the Maamba expansion project, stating that it would transform Zambia’s energy landscape for generations. Maamba Energy board chairperson Ashvin Devineni and ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson Akanenwa Muyangwa also expressed their commitment to advancing the country’s energy sector through continued investment.
President Hichilema has since returned to Lusaka.
Increasing more carbon into the atmosphere.
Coal power plants are no longer pollutants. Much technological advances have taken place.
The only disappointing aspect is the serious lack of strategic planning by this GRZ. Such initiatives must have been put in place more than a year ago, along with installation of smart turbines to replace the current water guzzling ones – among others.
Anything done by HH is none pollutant
Coal power plants are no longer pollutants? Who fed you that lie? I live in Africa’s biggest dependant of coal: South Africa. The country depends 90 percent on coal for electricity. Coal burning from power stations is responsible for high levels of air pollution here. Check the facts: One of the world’s most polluted cities is Middelburg in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province. The province is known as the world’s largest NO2 hotspot. The most common illnesses in the province are bronchial.
Air pollution from coal-fired power stations kills more than 2,200 South Africans every year. Exposure to toxic chemicals emitted by coal plants, such as sulfur dioxide, heavy metals like mercury and fine particles, has birthed diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and also contributes to strokes and premature births. There is a Zambian chemist heavily involved with research on the detrimental effects of coal on the environment here. Perhaps HH should consult her.
“President Hichilema has since returned to Lusaka.” Were you not expecting him to return?
I believe he meant to say modern technology uses reactants that remove most of gaseous pollutants before releasing emissions. the solid pollutants can be reused in other products like cement and bricks
@ Deja Vu
Not even increasing more carbon in the air but fooling gullible praise singers…..wait 24 months from now and ask HH what happened to the 300 megawatt project and you will hear alot of blah blah blah and graphs…meanwhile Zambia will still be in total darkness….HH HAS NO SHAME IN TELLING LIES….REMEMBER JUST A YEAR IN OFFICE AND HE CLAIMED THAT HE HAD ENDED LOADSHEDING
Coal plants take 4 to 5 years to complete. Commissioning alone can be 6 months to a year. As someone has mentioned above this was suppose to be strategic project by this govt or the one before it. We should actually not even wait for this one to complete. The Chinese can put a turnkey project like this in about three years. We should approach the Chinese govt for assistance and put about 1.5 GW of coal power installations. The mining industry and other heavy consumers are likely to emerge in the near future. The other energy source that needs to be put in place is ethanol production, so that we can blend it with petroleum for our vehicles
Yes Ethanol is easier to produce and Mazabuka and the untapped Bangweulu would give us bumper supplies. Of course the initial investment will be high but once the industry gets up and running government will be smiling all the way to the bank.
I think the timeline of 24 months is too sharp and not realistic. Four year is realistic. The Chinese can pull one off in three years. At best the project will complete in three years and Zambian govt should not wait for this one to complete before starting another one , as someone has mentioned above.
The president is trying to come up with project which can finish on time or before 2026 so that they have something to point on even it is substandard. Remember that they all the projects came to a stand still when UPND came in power mind you one month of GRZ none operations takes a year to normalize.
By the time this plant starts contributing to the national grid loadshedding will be over and it will be a white elephant.
Kikikikikiki!
……..
With a guaranteed market…….
Let’s hope the terms for this project are in zambias favour………..
Editor please correct the splling from “300mw” to “300 MW”!
The cost of $400 seems to be too high for a 300 MW power plant. I would say $300 i a good estimate. I smell a rat here!