Brussels, 23/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank is lending EUR 35 million to Namibia's state-owned electricity provider - NamPower - for the development of a 350kV transmission line linking the Namibian and Zambian electricity networks. The Caprivi interconnector will also benefit from a EUR 15 million interest rate subsidy from the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund. In a press release published on 19 December, the EIB affirmed that the Caprivi project is of strategic importance for the development of electricity interconnections between countries in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). Namibia will enjoy more reliable electricity supply than is currently the case and the country will be able diversify its power sources. Moreover, the link will support the emergence of a competitive power market in Southern Africa. The Caprivi interconnector consists of a 970km transmission line which starts from Katima Mulilo in north-east Namibia, runs along the Caprivi strip between Zambia and Botswana and ends at Gerus in central Namibia. The construction phase will create 1000 person-years of employment and the transmission line should be completed by the end of 2009. (O.L./trans/rh)