The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (Zesco) has started installing a fibre-optic power network in Luapula and Northern Province at a cost of over 200 billion kwacha (R333 million), with the aim of enhancing power supply in these areas.
The provinces endure persistent power interruptions, but once fibre installations are complete, incidents of power interruptions are expected to drop significantly, according to Francis Namkanda, Zesco chief transmission officer in the Northern Division.
Namkanda said the installation of the fibre cables, which started on 10 January, would take 18 days to complete.
Zesco, Namkanda said, “is determined to serve the clients better by improving technology in the supply and distribution of power”.
The power network will also be used to develop communication infrastructure in the provinces. Zesco's power cables are designed to offer reliable telecommunications support for mobile, fixed and Internet technology, and are currently being used by government institutions, banks and mobile operators, including MTN Zambia.
In the rural towns of Lusaka, Kazungula, Siavonga, Solwezi and Lumwana, there is already increased access to spectrum and, for the first time, digital telecommunication is possible. Fibre-optic power cables have also provided opportunities for connections with Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.
Zamnet Communications, a local Internet service provider (ISP), is connected to the SAT3 undersea cable through Telecom Namibia using Zesco's fibre installed on the power lines.
In December last year, Zesco released 3G spectrum, which will enable mobile service providers to deploy 3G services. The spectrum will also result in improved data services speeds. Luapula province minister Davis Mwila said the electricity deficit was negatively affecting business operations in the province.
Mwila said the deficit was a result of increased demand from economic activities in various parts of the country.
“The installation of an optic fibre power network would boost mining and industrial development in Luapula,” Mwila said.
The Zambian government has teamed up with three Chinese companies, including power company Sinohydro, to develop the Kafue Gorge power project, in an effort to avoid power shortages.
India's Tata Communications is involved in another joint project with Zesco to develop the Itezhi-Tezhi hydropower station.
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