As the contract for use of diesel generators from Aggreko Africa ends next year, the government has stated that it will not renew the contract

Minister of Energy Newton Kambala outlined that solar is being considered as means of providing power is being considered, as the diesel generators are costly. The former Minister of Energy, Binton Kutsaira, also faced the same dilemma as there were times the ministry was undecided on whether to renew the contract or not, as stakeholders saw that the contract was pricey but the power was needed.

Acknowledging the same, Kambala outlined that the way forward was to count on the Salima Solar project which will complete in May next year, as overseen by Independent Power Producer, JCM Power. “Aggreko is very expensive for the economy but we cannot afford to lose them because it is either we have expensive power or we have nothing but JCM solar power construction project is at an advanced stage and we may start using the plant in May which may help us not to renew the Aggreko contract,” Kambala said.