Fuel crisis hits Mpongwe

Mpongwe district on the Copperbelt province has been hit by a critical fuel shortage.

The crisis which has lasted for over three weeks now has been caused by the lack of fuel supply to the only and privately owned filling station in the district currently being operated by Oryx.

The development has hence crippled business operations in the district and further led to poor service delivery among numerous government departments.

A check by ZANIS in the central business district CBD found numerous motorists purchasing illegal fuel popularly known as “changanya” which is known to be unsafe for modern engines and is sold expensively than the normal fuel pump prices.

Residents in the district have continued to express concern over continued lapses in fuel supply in the district which houses various agriculture activities.

A farmer Crispin Tembo called on Government to urgently address issues concerning fuel supply in the district.

Mr Tembo said this is the only way that development would be realized in the district.

He added that fuel is critical for the smooth operation of business and plays a vital role in agriculture development.

“This issue of fuel has been going on for a long time, why can’t government finally come in to facilitate for an investor to bring fuel to the district, its just too much, Mpongwe is near to big towns like Kitwe and Ndola but is still struggling to have fuel, its not fair.” He said.

Mpongwe district is renowned to be the bread basket of the Copperbelt province but still lacks credible and reliable investments in the fuel supply business.