LUSAKA, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Zambia is considering putting up a gas pipeline from gas-rich neighboring countries, a senior government official said on Wednesday.
Minster of Energy Mathew Nkhuwa said the private sector has already shown interest in the construction of a gas pipeline from Mozambique to Zambia and that the importation of gas will help in meeting the demand for energy in the country.
The Zambian minister, in remarks delivered at the 37th Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Meeting of Ministers responsible for energy and water in South Africa, said alternative energy sources would reduce the pressure placed on hydro electricity supply in Zambia, which accounts for about 80 percent of energy sources, according to a statement released by the Zambia embassy in South Africa.
He further said there has been heightened exploration for both oil and gas in various parts of the country and expressed optimism that the resources will be found and exploited.
Meanwhile, about 50 percent of construction works have been done on an inter-connector power project between Zambian and Tanzania.
According to the Zambian minister, the project was expected to be completed and operational by the end of this year, adding that it would help in the evacuation of power from countries of surplus to connect to countries of deficit in order to stabilize energy demand in the region.
