By Amos Sikaonga 
By Cecilia Chiluba
Ministry of Energy has clarified that Government has not concluded a deal with Echo Eight, a UK-based energy company to develop 5,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, as reported in some sections of the media.
On Monday, the Zambian Mission in London issued a statement indicating that Energy Minister Makozo Chikote had welcomed Echo Eight’s proposal to deploy up to 5,000MW of renewable energy within six months of approvals, stressing Zambia’s need for investors ready to deliver timely results.
However, Ministry’s Principal Public Relations Officer, Bob Sianjalika clarified in another statement that the 5,000MW figure stems from a verbal proposal made by Echo Eight, during a meeting held in London.
“This clarification follows a press statement issued by the Zambian Mission in London, which has unfortunately been misinterpreted by some sections of the media as confirming a signed deal.”
“This was an informal expression of interest and does not constitute a deal, agreement, or commitment by the Government of Zambia,” Mr. Sianjalika clarified.
He urged the media and the public to verify information through official channels.
A number of stakeholders have questioned the possibility of developing 5,000MWof power in 6 months when a 100 megawatts of solar plant in Chisamba has taken more than six months to build.
Cecilia Chiluba