Zambian President Michael Sata has directed state-owned Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Ltd. (ZESCO) to increase its hydropower development.

Speaking at a commissioning ceremony for the US$4.1 million, 1-MW Shiwan'gandu hydroelectric project this week, Sata said Zambia's energy infrastructure requires investment to meet the country's increasing power demand.

"My government is working toward changing the situation," Sata said. "Therefore, the coming of the Shiwan'gandu hydropower plant could not have come at a better time than now."

Improved access to electricity will serve to improve the country's economy, Sata said, in addition to providing opportunity for tourism and agricultural growth.

Already, the government says it is working to expand the 12-MW Lusiwasi and 15-MW Lunzua hydropower plants and constructing new transmission lines to increase power access.

HydroWorld.com has also recently reported on Zambia's 1,600-MW Batoka Gorge and 120-MW Itezhi-Tezhi hydropower projects.