Metalnewsnet 17 May ：

China Knowledge cited Mr Jiang Chaoliang president of the China Development Bank as saying that China is willing to invest USD 1 billion to help Zambia build the Kafue Gorge Lower power plant.

The new plant which will cost an estimated USD 1.5 billion in total is scheduled to start construction in 2011 and finish construction in 2017. It will increase Zambia power capacity by 600 megawatts.

Mr Kenneth Konga the Energy Minister of Zambia said Zambia is seeking to reach an agreement with China Development Bank so that the plant will begin construction as planned. The project is crucial for increasing the power capacity of Zambia and of Africa as a whole.

Sources reported that lack of investment in power infrastructure and increasing demand for electricity has led to power shortages in Zambia.

( from China Knowledge)