On July 23, 2021, the Zambian government celebrated the commissioning of the first unit of the 750 MW Kafue Canyon downstream hydropower station. Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia, delivered a speech at the meeting. Many political figures including representatives of the project owner Zambia Electricity Supply Company (ZESCO) and contractor Sinohydro Corporation attended the meeting.

In his speech, Lungu discussed the need to invest in infrastructure and implement projects that can lead to more inclusive economic growth in the country. "My government continues to invest in roads, clinics and hospitals, airports and power infrastructure, as we are seeing today, it is no secret," he said. "We firmly believe that the development of infrastructure is essential to open up the development of the entire country. The economic benefits of these investments will undoubtedly benefit our country. It will not only overcome current obstacles, but also benefit everyone here."

Lungu said that Zambia’s mining, agriculture, tourism, industry, education, healthcare services and households’ demand for electricity is increasing. He admitted that from 1977 to 2011, power generation investment did not increase proportionally with the increase in demand. He said: “Today, the commissioning of the first unit of the Kafue Gorge Lower flagship hydroelectric power project is a testament to our commitment and resilience to ensure that the country’s power needs are secured and meet our needs today and in the future.”

Keywords: new energy, foreign engineering news, overseas engineering, international engineering construction, foreign engineering construction news

Lungu said that in less than seven years, his government added 1,350 megawatts of power to the national grid. The total installed capacity reached 3250 MW. The Kafue Canyon Lower Station is located on the Kafue River in the Chicancata District of Southern Province. It includes a 140-meter-high concrete-faced rockfill dam or roller compacted concrete dam and a power plant with five 150-megawatt turbine generator sets. Editor/XuNing