GOVERNMENT SIGNS CONTRACTS FOR 312-MEGAWATT SOLAR POWER PROJECTS IN 156 CONSTITUENCIES
✅The Government has signed Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts for the construction of 2-megawatt Solar Photovoltaic power plants in all 156 constituencies under the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative (PCEI), a flagship programme expected to add 312 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
✅Speaking during the contract signing ceremony, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary (Technical Services), Nicholas Phiri, said the initiative approved by Cabinet in November 2025, is aimed at increasing electricity generation and addressing the country’s power deficit.
✅Mr. Phiri said the project will be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle with support from the Ministries of Finance and National Planning, Local Government and Rural Development, Energy, and ZESCO Limited, which will serve as the Project Manager.
✅He disclosed that five contractors were competitively selected to implement the project at a total cost of approximately K4.3 billion, with works expected to be completed within 12 months from site mobilisation.
✅Mr. Phiri said the initiative, which will be partly financed through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), will strengthen electricity supply, support irrigated agriculture, stimulate enterprise development, create jobs and improve the delivery of social services across the country.
✅He added that local authorities will also benefit from dividends generated by the programme, enhancing their capacity to deliver services.
✅He further called on the contractors to mobilise without delay and urged ZESCO to provide effective project oversight to ensure the works are delivered on time and in line with the required quality and safety standards.
✅Mr. Phiri reaffirmed Government’s commitment to providing the necessary policy and administrative support to ensure the successful implementation of the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative as part of efforts to expand access to reliable and clean energy nationwide.
MIM