GOVERNMENT has Commissioned the Chipata fuel depot in Eastern Province worth about US$40 million.
The depot which was built at a cost of US$38 million, has an over seven litters capacity, which will service the entire region.
The facility, built by Dalbit International Limited (DALBIT) and BSL Infrastructure, will be run by Tanzania -Zambia Mafuta (TAZAMA) on behalf of Government.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Mutenguleni yesterday, Minister of Energy Peter Kapala said previously, there have been difficulties in ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products across the country.
Mr. Kapala said fuel will now be stored in the Provinces and there will be no need of steering the roads by fuel tankers that move petroleum products from one town to another.
He is glad that the Chipata fuel depot is the sixth one to be constructed in an effort to improve service delivery to citizens.
And Dalbit International Limited and BSL Infrastructure Executive Director Mabvuto Nyirenda said the company is happy to contribute to improve the energy capacity in Zambia.
“Fuel storage is a vital part of any country’s energy network, and we look forward to adding more storage capacity in Zambia in the near future.
“The project is a testament to the power of public -private partnership. They can thrive in any sector and have the ability to transform every aspect of Zambia’s infrastructure,” Mr. Nyirenda said.
Dalbit and BSL Infrastructure have a strong history of delivery in Zambia.
The two companies have built seven fuel depot since 2013 adding over 60 million litres of storage capacity.
TAZAMA Managing Director Davison Tawete is happy that the depot will easy distribution of products in eastern Province.
Mr. Tawete pledged to protect the infrastructure and ensure it returns the value for money.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni, who was represented by Chief Saili, thanked Government for putting up fuel depot in the Province as it will also help create employment opportunities.
He said traditional leaders in the Province will take up an active role in ensuring that the facility is guarded jealously as it was built at a high cost.
The depot was built inline with Government’s Seventh National Development Plan, which seeks to improve storage capacity, ensure a steady supply of fuel and create a month of strategic reserves.
The facility will also allow for more efficient fuel imports by increasing storage capacity to handle larger cargoes.
