ENERGY minister Makozo Chikote says the country will now be able to experience at least three hours of stable power supply daily owing to improved measures put up by government.
Addressing the nation at a press briefing this morning, Chikote revealed that Maamba Energy’s 300 megawatts is now back in full operation and the fault between Zambia and Namibia’s interconnector has been rectified.
He assured the nation that government is doing everything in its power to ensure that load shedding hours reduce soon.
“I’m pleased to announce that as of 1st October, 2024, the works at Maamba Energy have been completed and the plant is back in full operation. As of today, the fault between Zambia and Namibia has been rectified. With the coming back of Maamba to full operation, going forward, we expect to see more stable power supply in the country.”
“As of October, the country will have at least three hours of stable power supply daily for retail customers. This is a direction to say that we are doing all it takes to respond to the situation we are in. It’s expected to improve with time. This is not our best expected outcome [but] we will continue to improve the situation,” he said.
Chikote further called upon private power traders to contribute to mitigating the country’s power deficit.
He noted that President Hakainde Hichilema had also directed citizens to stop politicising the energy crisis and focus on helping to address the challenges at hand.
“We are also encouraging business houses to consider investing in alternative energy sources to help reduce pressure on the national grid, invest in solar and you will never go wrong,” advised Chikote.
ZESCO Board Chairperson Vickson Ncube noted that the current energy crisis is an opportunity for the country to invest alternatives sources of energy to avoid inconveniences in future.
And the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) Board Chairperson James Banda called on business entities to share the benefits of incentives on LPG gas and solar.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 2, 2024
hydropower is one of the most profitabe businesses in Zambia https://www.jephiri.com/2024/09/high-profit-business.html. why do you guys cant import enouh power from others. If other were importing power from Zambia why are you failing?