Construction of Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya power interconnector in Progress

Posted on : Tuesday , 29th September 2015

Construction work has begun on different sections of the sites identified for power lines for the Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya power interconnector.

In a recent meeting of energy held in Arusha, Tanzania, for permanent secretaries, senior officials and experts form Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya, it was indicated that outstanding progress had been made on the interconnector. Power Pylons, Substations and cabling had already been constructed.

Upon completion of construction of the Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya power interconnector, it would have a long term objective of providing opportunities for power trade in the region. This will also help facilitate the creation of a Pan- African power market from Cape Town in South Africa, Cairo in Egypt through to Tripoli in Libya.

Financing of the project comes under the 10th European Development Fund through an implementation agreement signed in 2011 between COMESA and Zambia’s Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development.

The money for the project has aided the three countries to hold their ministerial, project steering committee and official’s meetings.

The agreement also provides legal mandate to the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development through the office for Promoting Private Power Investment (OPPPI) to implement the grant agreement.

The Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya (ZTK) power interconnector will be developed, owned and managed by the three countries in their relevant geographical boundaries.