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Democratic Union (DU) party president, Ackim Njobvu, has challenged the United Party for National Development (UPND) government to explain the status of the US$500 million nuclear power plant project in Chongwe.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, Njobvu expressed concern over the lack of updates on the project, which was initiated under the Patriotic Front (PF) government.
He noted that in 2017, Zambia and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for Cooperation to construct the Centre of Nuclear Science and Technology in Chongwe District.
The project was to be overseen by the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) and supported by the Atomic Nuclear Agency, then headed by the late Dr. Rowland Msiska.
“The PF government had announced the implementation of the Nuclear Power Plant and even claimed that funds had been sourced. What has happened to those plans and the money? The UPND government owes the nation an explanation,” Njobvu said.
He criticized the UPND for abandoning the project amid an ongoing energy crisis, citing prolonged load shedding as evidence of the country’s failure to diversify energy sources.
“Zambia has heavily relied on hydroelectric power because of its past reliability and cost-effectiveness, but we should not overlook other energy potentials such as wind and solar. For instance, the Kalumbila farming block could be used to develop wind energy, which is globally the second-largest energy source after hydro,” he added.
Njobvu also criticized the government for its reactive approach to energy issues.
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“Zambia has one of the largest water resources in Southern Africa, but our reliance on seasonal rains has made us complacent. Both past and present governments have failed to proactively address energy challenges.”
The DU leader further raised concerns over the ongoing fuel shortage, which he said was disrupting businesses and worsening economic challenges.
“The erratic fuel supply is unacceptable and requires immediate government intervention. This was an issue the UPND strongly condemned while in opposition, yet now they seem to be repeating the same mistakes. We were promised better, but the reality is disappointing,” Njobvu said.
He called on the UPND to provide clear plans to stabilise fuel supplies and address the energy crisis, urging them to prioritize long-term solutions such as nuclear and renewable energy projects.
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