China-funded projects transform Zambian lives

LUSAKA－There is no doubt that Chinese overseas investment has gone a long way in transforming not only economies around the world but also in improving people's lives.

Zambia is an example. The construction of a 750 megawatts power project in the country funded by Exim Bank of China as well as other financiers has not only enabled the country to become energy secure but has had a direct impact on people's lives.

Construction work of the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station in Chikankata district, about 90 kilometers from Lusaka, the country's capital, started in 2015, and both social and economic benefits are already being seen.

Apart from the creation of about 4,000 jobs during the construction period, the project, once fully completed, will create another 400 permanent jobs.

The project has also had spillover effects in other industries such as suppliers of steel as well as consultancy services, and local people are benefiting through the provision of various small businesses such as selling foodstuffs to construction workers.

Senior Chieftainess Nkhomeshya Mukamambo II, in whose jurisdiction the project is located, is grateful that the project will not only improve power generation but also benefit local people.

She commended China for the support, adding that China has been a friend to Zambia even in time of difficulties.

The residents of the district are happy with the project as it has transformed their lives.

Agnes Bwenvya, 24, is among residents in the district who are benefiting from the project.

Bwenvya, who sells foodstuffs, says construction workers have become her major customers, resulting in her business improving.

"This project has been good to me as a single mother of one child. I am now able to take care of myself and my child because business is now growing," she said.

Anderson Zulu, 21, a resident who is one of the casual workers employed during the construction of the power plant, said he is elated that his life has been transformed from the time he started working.

"The salary I am getting here has enabled me to take care of my needs, and I am so happy that now I have a regular income," he said.

Zebedia Hampande is one of the residents employed as a driver at the construction site, and he is happy that he now has a regular income, which helps him support his family.

Liu Kai, a representative of Sinohydro, said his company is committed to improving the living standards of the people within the locality of the project.

Apart from creating jobs, a school has been built and boreholes have been drilled to ease people's problems of access to clean water.

The company, he said, has also trained 350 local people as technicians on the project, and some have been sent to China for training. The company plans more projects for the community, he said.

Xinhua