Zambia commissions Chinese-built hydropower plant to tackle power deficit

This aerial photo taken on March 23, 2023 shows the dam at Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Southern Province, Zambia. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday. (Xinhua)

CHIKANKATA, Zambia, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday.

The five generators at the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station, constructed by the Chinese firm Sinohydro Corporation Limited, added a total of 750 megawatts to the country's national grid.

Noting that China and Zambia completed the power station in "an ingenious way," Hichilema said the project showed the friendly relationship between the two countries, and his government is committed to further growing the relationship with China.

Hichilema added that the completion of the project was not only good for the country's energy sector but for the economy as a whole as energy is critical to drive an economy.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui said that the project was an important symbol of China-Africa friendship and cooperation.

China, he said, will continue to contribute to the all-weather, all-dimensional and high-quality cooperation with Zambia.

Staff members of Sinohydro Corporation Limited attend the commissioning ceremony for the fifth generator at the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Southern Province, Zambia, March 24, 2023. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

Staff members of Sinohydro Corporation Limited attend the commissioning ceremony for the fifth generator at the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Southern Province, Zambia, March 24, 2023. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema (front) pushes the start button when attending the commissioning ceremony for the fifth generator at the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Southern Province, Zambia, March 24, 2023. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

This photo taken on March 24, 2023 shows the transformer substation of the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Southern Province, Zambia. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday. (Xinhua)

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema (front) cuts the ribbon when attending the commissioning ceremony for the fifth generator at the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Southern Province, Zambia, March 24, 2023. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

This aerial photo taken on March 23, 2023 shows the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Southern Province, Zambia. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday. (Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 24, 2023 shows generator sets at the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Southern Province, Zambia. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

This aerial photo taken on March 23, 2023 shows the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Southern Province, Zambia. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday. (Xinhua)

This aerial photo taken on March 23, 2023 shows the dam at Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Southern Province, Zambia. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday. (Xinhua)

This aerial photo taken on March 22, 2023 shows the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Southern Province, Zambia. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned a Chinese-built hydropower plant, following the switching on of the plant's fifth generator on Friday. (Xinhua)