By Amos Sikaonga 
By Elias Mwenda
ZESCO Limited has disclosed that the the construction of the US$100 million Chisamba Solar Power project has reached 98 percent completion.
The 100-megawatts solar project is being implemented by Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation (KNBEPC), a subsidiary of the state-owned power utility, ZESCO located in Chief Chaamuka Village of Chisamba district.
Speaking during a media tour of the Chisamba Solar Plant, ZESCO Managing Director Eng.Justin Loongo said the second phase of the 200 megawatts that was signed in 2020 between Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation, and Power China Limited, is set to commence in July this year and will take another 10 months to be completed.
“The Chisamba 100MW solar PV project is part of the government’s strategic direction towards reducing over-dependence on climate-risky hydroelectric power,” Eng. Loongo said.
He stated that the first 100 megawatts of the Chisamba Solar project is set to be commissioned soon and it is a 10-months project which was commenced in July, 2024.
And Chisamba Solar Power Plant project Manager Chiza Nyirenda says the plant will 100 percent be owned by Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation once completed.
Mr. Nyirenda also revealed that over 180, 000 by-facial solar panels were used which charge both sides.
“The plant will cover about 30, 000 to 50, 000 domestic homes,” he said.