The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (Zesco) will soon complete the installation of an optical fibre network running on high voltage power lines around the country.

Company managing director Cyprian Chitundu said the network is aimed at ensuring that the provision of electricity from the point of generation to the point of supply is done efficiently, reliably and safely.

Chitundu told ITweb Africa that the excess capacity on the network is already being sold commercially to the public, to improve Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Revenue is being re-invested to increase electricity generation capacity and reduce load shedding.

Like many Southern African countries, Zambia is faced with a shortage of power from the national grid due to low electricity power generation.

Zesco's optical fibre network is being installed around the country including in Muchinga and Luapula Provinces.

Chitundu said the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2015 and will greatly enhance the quality and reliability of electricity supply.

It will also improve the provision of better customer services which will result in better and faster telecommunications services he added.

"Once completed, the project will significantly reduce power blackouts the country is experiencing. At the same time many public and private institutions including banks and Zambia Revenue Authority are already buying excess capacity from Zesco," Chitundu said.

Zesco entered the liberalised telecommunications market in 2003 as a wholesale telecommunications operator.