THE Citizens First (CF) party has pledged to dismantle Zambia’s national power utility, ZESCO, if its leader Harry Kalaba is elected president in 2026.
The proposal is a central element of the party’s “Orange Manifesto,” which criticises the current energy system’s inefficiencies and advocates for diversified power sources to meet the country’s growing demands.
Kalaba argues that the country’s power utility, ZESCO which controls the bulk of Zambia’s electricity generation and distribution is no longer fit for purpose as he claims it is serving a system built for a much smaller population.
The manifesto points out that ZESCO was initially structured to provide electricity to about four million people.
The document reads that Kalaba and his team will consider investing in dams for hydro power in the northern region of Zambia which has a lot of rain and water reservoirs.
Additionally, the party plans to establish solar energy farms in each province and promote the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and pellets.
The CF’s manifesto also outlines plans to incentivise solar power generation in critical institutions such as hospitals, health facilities, and households.
“CF will establish solar energy farms for electricity in enhancing use of liquified Petroleum Gas, pellets in each province for increased population has access to electricity,” read the manifesto.
“We will Incentive solar power generation in institutions e.g health facilities, hospitals and houses, provide universal access to electricity and incentivise establishment of companies manufacturing mixed energy products e.g. fridges, geysers stoves, air conditioners and fans etc and enhance the performance of Rural Electrification Authority (REA).”
It has committed to investing in nuclear power with the support of the Russian Federation and aggressively promoting private sector involvement in renewable energy projects.
The party believes that removing barriers to private investment and encouraging local innovation will provide a much needed boost to the country’s power sector.
“Citizens First has prioritised Energy as the enabler of development. As Zambia’s population grows even the energy demands grow. The CF plans to invest in energy for citizens of Zambia with excess power exported to the neighbouring countries in Southern Africa,” stated the document.
“The CF, shall consider investment in dams for hydro power in the northern region of Zambia which has a lot of rain and water reservoirs. Incentivise establishment of companies manufacturing of mixed energy product. We will incentivise diversified energy production and consider dismantling ZESCO.”
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, September 16, 2024
 party has pledged to dismantle Zambia’s national power utility, ZESCO, if its leader Harry Kalaba is elected president in 2026.){kind=link}