Lawmakers raise the alarm over worsening electricity challenges, urge govt to act swiftly

Kantanshi Member of Parliament, Anthony Mumba, has urged Energy Minister, Peter Kapala, to update the nation on measures being taken to avert the current power crisis.

During a question and answer session in Parliament on Thursday, Mumba expressed fears of worsening power rationing as October approaches.

“We are almost depleted of ZESCO Limited’s allocation by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), which means the current 20-hour power rationing will worsen to 24 hours, bringing the economy to a complete halt,” Mumba said.

Mumba stated the urgency for the government to find alternative sources of power to prevent economic collapse.

Lunte Member of Parliament, Mutotwe Kafwaya, also urged the government to seek assistance from Germany to resolve the power supply issues facing the country.“Madam Speaker, Germany is generating more than 14 gigawatts of electricity from solar. We can approach them for a deal to end the power crisis, especially since we are leaning towards the West,” Kafwaya suggested.

In response, Kapala assured that the government was actively addressing the situation.

“Madam Speaker, we are not sitting idle. Very soon, power from diesel will start, but it will be very expensive for ordinary citizens. However, the mines are willing to take up that power to ease the situation,” Kapala said, adding that preliminary indications show the country may have normal rainfall in the coming season.

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