ZAMBIA SEEKS 300MW POWER FROM SA

PRETORIA – 14TH JANUARY, 2016 – ENERGY and Water Development Minister, Ms. Dora Siliya, as Special Envoy of President Edgar Lungu, this morning held a meeting with South Africa’s President, Mr. Jacob Zuma during which she delivered a special message from the Zambian head of state.
Speaking after the meeting which lasted over 40 minutes and held at Mahlamba Ndlopfu in Pretoria, Ms. Siliya said she expressed Zambia’s desire to import 300 megawatts of power from South Africa. Mahlamba Ndlopfu is the official residence for the President of the Republic of South African.
“After I presented the letter containing the special message from President Lungu to his brother, President Zuma, I spoke of our interest to import about 300 megawatts of power from South Africa,” Ms. Siliya said.
The Minister pointed out that President Zuma indicated that it was important for “neighbours to help one another in times of difficulties.”
She said President Zuma later instructed his Minister of Energy Ms. Tina Joemat-Pettersson to hold a separate meeting with her at Mahlamba Ndlopfu.
The Minister later held other meetings with South Africa’s International Relations Minister, Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, and her counterpart in charge of Water and Sanitation, Ms. Nomvula Mokonyane.
Ms. Siliya was accompanied to the meetings by Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba, directors in her Ministry, Mr. Oscar Kalumiana for energy, and Ms. Viola Mtamila for Planning, and Zesco director of transmission Mr. Webster Musonda.