The Zambia Army and Kiyona Energy, a subsidiary of ZESCO Limited, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve energy security and sustainability at the L85 military barracks.
Zambia Army Commander, Geoffrey Zyeele, further explains that the MoU aims to improve water supply and power generation at L85, benefiting approximately 4,000 troops and their families.
Lieutenant General Zyeele notes that the project involves solarising water points to ensure a reliable water supply.
The media reports that speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka today, Lt Gen Zyeele highlighted the difficulties faced by soldiers and their families, including inadequate water supply and power.
Lt Gen Zyeele has expressed gratitude to the government and partners for addressing long standing challenges in living conditions at L85 military barracks.
“We are grateful that you have listened to us and partnered with us, for the first time in a very long time, our troops are able to have water, our children are able to watch TV like many other children have been,” Lt Gen Zyeele said.
Lt Gen Zyeele further praised the government, stating that the development would change the lives of soldiers and their families for the better.
“This is a great occasion for us, to sign an MOU between ourselves, Kiyona and ZESCO on behalf of all the officers and all the men and women and especially residents of L85,” he said.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in improving living conditions at L85, making it a livable institution comparable to other military barracks.
ZESCO Managing Director, Justine Loongo, emphasised the importance of collaboration between public institutions and private sector partners to strengthen the power system.
“Energy is the backbone of national development and an enabler of peace, stability, and socio-economic progress and any opportunity to increase and improve electricity standards in Zambia is welcome, and we want to enhance what we’ve started, ” he said.
Mr Loongo said the MoU aims to provide reliable green energy solutions to the Zambia Army’s installations, reducing dependency on the grid and enhancing energy planning for mission critical operations.
Mr Loongo commended Kiyona Energy Limited for bringing forward a structured model for investment, development, and operation of renewable energy assets aligned with Zambia’s long-term energy transition agenda.
“Kiyona’s focus is to use renewable energy to provide a quality product to all areas, and this partnership represents a strategic alignment of national interest, energy security, climate resilience, operational readiness, and modernisation of essential government infrastructures,” Mr Loongo said.
He added that the project involves the installation of a solar power plant at L85, which will supply energy to the facility and export excess to the grid.
Mr Loongo expressed confidence that the partnership would position the defence forces as champions of national climate commitments and operational energy security.
“ZESCO stands ready to provide every necessary technical support to grid integration, integration approvals, and coordination in line with national standards,” Mr Loongo assured.
He thanked the Zambia Army for facilitating the process and expressed optimism that the project would be completed in the shortest possible period.
