Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, has urged his fellow citizens not to demonise the export of electricity. Speaking at the commissioning of the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station, President Hichilema expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Government, Sino Hydro, ZESCO workers, and other construction staff for their phenomenal engineering achievement that will help end load-shedding in the country.
“We expressed our profound gratitude to the Chinese Government, Sino Hydro, ZESCO workers, and other construction staff for this phenomenal engineering achievement that will go a long way to ending load-shedding, which had become an annual feature in our country,” he said.
He implored ZESCO to prioritize local people as the principal beneficiaries of the KGL station through the provision of power and jobs. President Hichilema also called on Zambians not to be misled about the export of surplus power to neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe and Malawi.
“We can also benefit from foreign exchange earnings through the export of power in the coming years, as we generate revenue to create jobs and enhance the economy,” he said. “Electricity has been a shared resource for a long time, due to our historic ties with partners such as Zimbabwe and Malawi. We must not be misled over the export of surplus power to our neighbors.”
President Hichilema further stated that energy exportation is crucial for generating foreign exchange, which is necessary for sustainable development. He said the government is determined to make energy exportation second to mining in terms of generating foreign exchange for the country.
“Let us generate more and export. Zambians have demonized exports. Let us not listen to the propaganda. We want energy to be second from mining in generating Foreign exchange in the country,” he said.
President Hichilema also assured neighboring countries that as Zambia grows its energy generation, it will support their energy needs to skyrocket trade. He added that the commissioning of power generation at Kafue Gorge would put an end to load shedding which had been a tradition in the past.
“I assure Zambians that we are working day and night to take back Zambia into a decent economy to help generate investment, thereby creating more job opportunities,” he said.
In addition, President Hichilema highlighted the revival of Zambia’s relationship with China, stating that the restored partnership had helped kickstart many projects, including the commissioning of the Kafue Gorge. He added that the partnership would be further reset, including a financial partnership.
“Opposition are saying that Zambia and China have no close ties, but we have restored the China Zambia relationship. We have reset our relationship, and this engagement marks the beginning of projects that we will work on together to benefit Zambia. We will further reset the relationship and partnership, including a financial partnership,” he said.
President Hichilema’s call to embrace energy exportation has been met with praise from various quarters. Local businessman, Peter Chanda, said the President’s stance on the exportation of electricity would attract more investors to the country.
“The President’s message on energy exportation is very clear, and it will attract more investors to our country. We need to think beyond our borders if we want to develop our country,” he said.
Environmentalists have also lauded President Hichilema’s call to protect the Kafue River Basin, which is the source of the country’s hydroelectric power.
“President Hichilema’s call to guard the facility jealously is a welcome move. We need to protect our natural resources if we want to have sustainable development,” said environmentalist, Mercy Muyunda.
In conclusion, President Hichilema’s call to embrace energy exportation and his commitment to making it a priority in generating
Well said to the President and I totally agree that exports of power are key to Zambia earning more FOREX. Also here again we have an example of the great assistance China keeps providing Zambia, a win-win partnership. I will always side with China no matter what! They have been helping Zambia attain it’s development goals since the days of Tazara railway line which saw the death of over 40 Chinese nationals. Which other nation has done so much for Zambia even if it is also for their own benefit? China and Zambia friends forever and no one must dare seperate us!
Well said to the President and I totally agree that exports of power are key to Zambia earning more FOREX. Also here again we have an example of the great assistance China keeps providing Zambia, a win-win partnership. I will always side with China no matter what! They have been helping Zambia attain it’s development goals since the days of Tazara railway line which saw over 40 Chinese nationals lose their lives. Which other nation has done so much for Zambia even if it is for their own benefit? China and Zambia friends forever and no one must seperate us!
Well said to the President and I totally agree that exports of power are key to Zambia earning more FOREX. Also here again we have an example of the great assistance China keeps providing Zambia, a true win-win partnership.
The only thing crooked hh is good at, is selling things owned by the country. His expertise is privatisation
What do you expect ? some here cant even run a market stall
and they think they can run the country
fuseke iwe tr00ll
Well said Tikki , these PF chakolwes thought they could run Zambia’s economy but they left us destitute.
PF borrowed the US $31 billion by which Zambia has been sold. You kalya-nyokos have then gone ahead and eaten all of this money. Shut up
How many times is one project commissioned. ECL commissioned this project which he started!!!
Nobody is demonizing the exporting of power, it’s the way you are handling it
Next you will be commissioning the Nkana East Cemetery going by the way things are going.
Ha! What is there at Nkana East Cemetery? Copper?
1. To provide the citizens with a sense of comfort regarding the export of electricity, it’s essential to demonstrate the tangible benefits that the country receives from it. It’s not enough to benefit a privileged few; we must strive for meaningful change that improves the livelihoods of everyone. Are new jobs and businesses being created for the local community? Are people experiencing an increase in their disposable income, enabling them to afford essential items like food? Are co-operatives being established to assist individuals in need?
2. It’s high time to witness genuine change that positively impacts the majority of the population, not just a select few. By ensuring that the benefits of electricity exports are distributed evenly, we can create a sense of satisfaction among the people and foster a brighter future for all.
Am I the only one getting upset whenever HH talks about Zambia China relationships but is avoiding China like the plague. He has been to the US three times and has been snubbing Russia (and China by extension). The only thing he has done is have a phone call with President Xi, using a landline with cables apparently in this day and age.
Trying to snub whats destined to be the World’s biggest economy sure? How myopic!
I get angry when the President talks about China Zambia relationship when he is clearly snubbing the Chinese.
Comment being moderated. Why?
Sunga Ilunga it is very well maintained and as usual he will want to get credit for this.
Deja Vu Your point was got I was just being sarcastic
Zambia needs forex to stop weakening of kwacha and import led inflation.