Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote says teamwork and bold reforms have transformed the energy sector, ending years of crippling load shedding and laying a stronger foundation for the future.
Speaking at a farewell press briefing today as Parliament prepares to dissolve on Friday, Mr Chikote said serving as Minister of Energy had been one of the greatest honours of his life.
He commended Zambians for their patience, encouragement and unwavering support during one of the most difficult periods in the history of the energy sector.
Mr Chikote recalled the time where the sector was facing a number of challenges where his journey has been of challenges, sacrifice, resilience and immense learning.
He credited his team at ERB, ZESCO, and Ministry staff, among others saying they made him an honorary engineer and helped him understand the sector.
Mr Chikote said Zambia faced severe power shortages from reduced water levels due to climate change, increased demand, ageing infrastructure and years of underinvestment.
“Load shedding had become a painful reality affecting our homes, our businesses, hospitals, schools, industries across the country and the entire growth of the economy was seriously affected,” he said.
He noted vandalism of utility infrastructure and hardship for students, farmers, salons and welders.
He further commended students in public and private institutions for their patience that they never went in the streets to damage people’s cars, to damage infrastructure for the nation remained patient.
Mr Chikote said the government realised temporal measures alone would not provide lasting solutions and took courage to make reforms, to innovate and also plan and invest in the future.
“One of the most important lessons we learned was that Zambia could no longer rely solely on hydropower,” he said
He added that the government embarked on a drive to diversify the energy mix through solar, thermal and other renewable energy sources.
“Today I am proud to say that Zambia is now witnessing unprecedented growth in renewable energy investment,” Mr Chikote said.
“Across the country, solar projects are rising. Projects that had stopped for years are now progressing.
“Today as I look back, I do so with pride and excitement. I’m busy dancing because of the transformation that we have brought in the energy sector which is now visible,” he said.
