Zambia's power deficit to reduce to 400 MW next month: president

Zambia's electricity deficit will reduce significantly by next month because of the government's efforts, its leader said on Friday.

President Edgar Lungu said the deficit would reduce from 1,000 megawatts to below 400 MW by mid-June because of the bold steps undertaken to turn the situation around.

For almost a year, Zambia has been rationing electricity after a scorching drought reduced water levels in its hydropower plants. About 90 percent of Zambia's electricity is hydropower.

"We have taken bold steps to turn the situation around. Mother nature has been kinder too, because water levels have improved slightly," Lungu said in his state of nation address.

The Zambian leader noted that his government was focused in making the energy sector more diversified by promoting alternative sources of energy.

Among the solutions include the launch of the first 100 MW of the 600 MW solar project being supported by the World Bank, rehabilitation and construction of more power plants such as the 20 MW Itezhi-tezhi plant which was commissioned last month while a thermal power plat, Maamba in the southern part of the country, will come on-stream before the end of the year. Endit