Group says load-shedding worsens inequality in Zambia, tackles ZESCO for failing to adhere to schedules

The Fight Inequality Alliance (FIA) Zambia has raised concerns over the impact of loadshedding on the country’s inequality gap.

FIA Zambia’s National Coordinator, Mputa Ngalande, stated that frequent power outages, primarily caused by drought, have left ordinary citizens struggling to access alternative energy sources.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Ngalande urged the government to consider sustainable solutions, including nuclear energy, to address the ongoing power crisis.

“We have observed that power outages disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who are already at the forefront of inequality. While some small businesses have closed, others have turned to expensive alternative energy sources,” Ngalande said.

Despite the removal of taxes on alternative energy, the costs remain prohibitive for many Zambians, Ngalande noted, emphasizing the need for effective policies to tackle the power deficit in the medium to long term.

Read More: Govt pleads with citizens to ‘switch off and save,’ hints at reviewing 12-hour loadshedding schedule in October

Zambia’s reliance on hydroelectricity (80%) has prompted FIA Zambia to call for diversification in the face of climate change.

Ngalande stressed the importance of reducing dependence on hydroelectricity to lower living costs and support production.

“Entrepreneurs, especially in high-unemployment areas, face significant challenges when their businesses depend solely on hydroelectricity,” he added.

Ngalande also criticized ZESCO for not adhering to announced loadshedding schedules and urged the utility company to stick to their published hours.

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