Mpika,11,June,2025, ZANIS—Mpika District Commissioner David Siame says the proposed construction of Luchenene Hydropower Power Plant by Mutinondo Luchenene Power company in Mpika District in Muchinga Province will impact positively to the District and the Nation as a whole.

Mr. Siame echoed this during the disclosure of the draft findings of the environment and social impact assessment report of Luchenene Hydropower plant meeting held at Mpika Council Chamber yesterday.

He said once all the necessary requirements are approved by the Government, the construction of the Hydropower Plant will commence by January next year and will be completed after three years.

Mr. Siame explained that once the Hydropower Plant begins to operate, it will be able to produce over 36 megawatts which will be fed directly into ZESCO Substation in the outskirts of Mpika.

He pointed out that the proposed construction of the Hydropower Plant has come at the right time when people are faced with a significant shortage of electricity supply in the District and the Nation as a whole.

The District Commissioner has re-emphasize the need to have more stakeholders on board to invest in generation of electricity across the Nation.

“Electricity is critical to speed up significant social and economic development of the Country,” he said.

Meanwhile Luchenene Mutinondo Hydropower Project Coordinator Ezekiel Kasalo has disclosed that Luchenene Hydropower Plant will be constructed at a total cost of 90 million United States dollars.

Mr. Kasalo added that once the construction of the Hydropower Plant commences it will employ over 150 co-workers and 20 permanent workers.

“When employing the workers, we shall give more preference to the local people in the district,” he said.

Mr.  Kasalo further disclosed that over 3 million kwacha has been allocated to cater for all households in 13 villages that will be displaced due to the construction of the Hydropower Plant and other structures in the area.

Meanwhile Chishebesonde Ward Councilor Micheal Mutale said the move by Luchenene Mutinondo Power Company to construct the hydropower plant has been received with happiness by the local people in the district.

The Civic leader said once the project begins to operate it will greatly help to improve the livelihoods of the local people in the district.

He stressed out that the expectations of the local people are high and ready to support the commencement of the Hydropower Plant in the area.

“We are calling on the community in Mpika to embrace and support this important Project,” he said.