Mafinga power project on cards, Kenyan firm invests $50m

PETER SICHALI writes@SunZambianA KENYAN firm will invest about US$50 million in power generation in Mweniwisi area of Mafinga district.Graeme Watson Associates Power Company, Social and Environment Director Jack Muthomi, said the company had started feasibility studies on the project.He said the firm had similar projects in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and two other African countries.The power company, he said, intended to construct a dam and generate electricity from Tonga River which has its source in Mafinga Hills.“This project could have kicked off early this year but has been delayed due to covid-19,” Mr Muthomi said.Mr Muthomi said the project would create over 2000 direct and indirect jobs for the local people.“We have done all registration formalities with the Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Commence and we have since installed meters to ascertain the water levels during the dry season,” he said.Mr Muthomi said the company would use the surplus water to connect the Mweniwisi Chiefdom to piped Water.“As part of our company’s social corporate responsibility we have embarked on the rehabilitation of some bridges in the area so as to make the area accessible,” Mr Muthomi said.Mr Muthomi noted that the firm has so far employed a few local people who are working as readers. The Sun