- Veep says electricity critical driver of national development
AMOS KAWISHA
Kabompo
VICE PRESIDENT Mutale Nalumango has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to achieving universal access to electricity by 2030, describing energy as a critical driver of national development and improved livelihoods.
Speaking during the commissioning of WatopaLukulu Interconnector Power Project in Kabompo District, She added that schools and health facilities would benefit from improved learning
Mrs Nalumango said the New Dawn administration is determined to ensure no community is left behind.
In a speech read by Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma, she noted that electrification of Watopa, once considered impossible, had become a reality through deliberate government policy.
“This electricity is not just for lighting bulbs. It is for powering dreams and improving livelihoods,” Mrs Nalumango said, urging residents to use power productively in businesses such as welding, salons, milling, and tailoring. conditions, vaccine storage, and medical equipment operation.
Mrs Nalumango directed Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to connect schools, rural health centres, chiefs’ palaces, and households in the area.
She highlighted the World Bank-supported ASCENT Zambia Programme, which has reduced connection fees from K4,864 to K300, making electricity more affordable.
“This year alone, Government is targeting more than 115,000 electricity connections across the country,” Mrs Nalumango said.
Health Minister Alex Katakwe said electrification would improve healthcare delivery at Kamisamba Rural Health Centre, while REA chief executive officer Alex Mbumba reported that 56,052 connections had been made so far.
He said the Watopa project, costing K5.3 million, included construction of a 33KV line across Kabompo River and 11 kilometres of distribution network, immediately connecting more than 200 households and businesses.
Kabompo District commissioner Hubert Chinyanga said the project demonstrated Government’s commitment to rural development, noting that works on the long-delayed Kayombo grid project had also commenced.
Watopa resident Julias Shiwoma welcomed the initiative, saying it would encourage locals to establish businesses and build permanent homes instead of migrating to urban areas.
The project underscores Zambia’s drive towards universal electricity access, expanded rural electrification, and inclusive economic development….https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
