CHARLES CHISALA, Samfya
THE Rural Electrification Authority (REA) is committed to contributing to the development of tourism in Samfya district, in Luapula Province, through

the provision of affordable power under the Milenge Grid Extension Project.
Chief executive officer Geoffrey Musonda said on Wednesday the district is expected to experience an economic boom following the tarring of 22 kilometres of township roads, and holding of a tourism expo.
He was speaking in an interview at Chita Lodge on the shores of Lake Bangweulu during the expo.
Several people, including delegates, and invited guests, were treated to boat cruises on Lake Bangweulu in vessels of different sizes, spiced with traditional and contemporary music, and cultural dances by Kalela troupes.
Mr Musonda said he was able to deduce the magnitude of what he had witnessed on the beach of Lake Bangweulu that there will be increased investment in the tourism sector.
“The anticipated increase of investment in tourism in Samfya will also increase the demand for electricity. Investors who will put up hotels, lodges, and leisure resorts will need food and other farm produce, which will come mainly be supplied by small-scale farmers in surrounding villages,” he said.
Mr Musonda said the farmers will need reliable electricity for irrigation and processing.
“As REA, we will work hard to ensure small-scale farmers and other entrepreneurs in Samfya have access to affordable electricity through our extension projects,” he said.
Some of the companies and organisations that were part of the expo in Samfya were Zambian Breweries plc, SEEDCO, Zamtel, Airtel, MTN, ETG, Musika, Copperbelt University, GED Africa Limited, Zanaco, Development Bank of Zambia, and National Pension Scheme Authority.