President Edgar Lungu has commissioned the first 150 megawatts turbine at Kafue Gorge Lower from the total 750 megawatts. The Head of State said that the commissioning of the turbine will significantly contribute to the improvement of power generation in the country, adding that the investment in the energy sector by his administration has made Zambia to be energy secure.

Speaking when commissioned the turbine today, President Lungu said that Zambia will never be the same in terms of power generation.

The president said that after taking over Government in 2011, the country only generated about 1900 megawatts but now about 3200 megawatts is being generated.

“Upon forming Government in 2011, my Government identified the need to invest in the energy infrastructure. We have made tough decisions to improve many sectors of our economy, such as energy.

“Therefore, the commissioning of the first turbine is a clear testimony that the country is energy secure,” the Head of State said, before adding that it must be put on record that the development has been accomplished under global challenges, Covid 19.

President Lungu said that He however says the achievement in the energy sector has increased power export prospects. The Head of State also said that improvement in power generation has enhanced mining operations and agriculture activities.

Speaking at the same event, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Jie says China will continue to be a all weather friend to Zambia. The Ambassador said that as China a world-developed country want to see to it that Zambia’s welfare improves significantly, adding that China want to ensure Zambia raise to greater heights for the good of the people.

Meanwhile Chieftainess Nkomesha II says with this development load shedding will come to an end and that the challenges which the country has been facing in the energy sector will be no more.

And Zesco Managing Director Victor Mundenda said that the investment in the energy sector by the PF Government under the leadership of President Dr Lungu will enable the economy to grow.
He says energy is cardinal to the running of the economy.

Below is the President’s Full Speech

I would like to start by reminding all of us that on 7th July 2021, we laid to rest a visionary, our founding father Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, who laid the foundation upon which this country is built.
His government built the Kariba north bank power station, and the Kafue gorge upper station to boost power generation in our country.

It is, therefore, fitting that we celebrate his life by continuing on the trajectory of development that he and his colleagues envisioned. We ought to continue on the legacy of our founding fathers by leaving an indelible mark on our country’s history of power generation as we deliver the 150 megawatts Kafue Gorge Lower hydro-electric power station to the people of Zambia. Whether you like it or not Dr. Kaunda left an indelible mark on the Kariba north bank power station, and Edgar Chagwa Lungu is leaving an indelible mark here today.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Upon forming government, my administration identified the need to invest in infrastructure, and we have continued to identify and aggressively implement projects which will lead to more inclusive economic growth.

We in pf government have made tough but necessary decisions to unblock the challenges brought about by inadequate infrastructure in many sectors of our economy.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is no secret that my government continues to invest in roads, clinics and hospitals, airports, and power infrastructure such as the one we are witnessing today. We in pf firmly believe that infrastructure development is critical to opening up development for the entire country.

The economic gains that will accrue from these investments will no doubt benefit our country and outlive not just the current hurdles but will benefit all of us who are present here.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Our country has, over the years, seen increased demand for electricity to power activities. Demand has been in various sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, industries, education, healthcare services, and indeed our homes. The growth on demand for power has necessitated accelerated investments in power generation and transmission infrastructure.

It is not a secret from 1977 to 2011 that investments in power generation did not grow proportionately with increased demand.

The PF government, therefore, upon taking power in 2011 embarked on investing in robust power generation, transmission and distribution projects.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today’s commissioning of the first unit of the flagship Kafue Gorge Lower hydro-electric power project, is testimony to our commitment and resilience in ensuring that the country’s electricity needs are secured and meet our needs today and the future.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This investment has been accomplished amidst financial and global health challenges, especially the covid-19 pandemic.

The commissioning of this power station today, demonstrates our resolve as we stand determined against cynicism to put this country firmly on an energy secure footing.

This investment has not only been in electricity generation projects but also in transmission and distribution projects.

My government’s commitment to harnessing the country’s comparative advantage to generate, transmit and distribute power to citizens is meant to achieve our mantra of not leaving anyone behind.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This government has overcome so many challenges and achieved so much in the electricity sector.

In less than seven years my government has introduced an additional 1,350 megawatts of power generation to the national electricity. Today as I speak we have a total national installed capacity of 3,250 megawatts. This is an increase of more than seventy percent from the previous installed national capacity of approximately 1,900 megawatts.

Ladies and gentlemen,

My government has undertaken the following developmental projects:

1) The new Lunzua power station was upgraded from 0.75 megawatts to 14.8 megawatts in 2015 this was meant to improve the quality of power supply to people in Mbala, Mpulungu, Nkamba, Kasaba bay and surrounding areas. With the new Lunzua power station and the proximity to the Sumbawanga export line, we have increased export prospects to our neighbouring sister republic of Tanzania.

2) The 120 megawatts itezhi-tezhi hydro-electric power station was commissioned in March, 2016. This plant came at a critical time when the country was faced with a devastating climate-induced power deficit, which lasted from 2014 to mid-2017.

3) I can give an example of the Musonda falls hydropower station located in Mansa district which was upgraded and uprated from 5 MW to 10 MW to support a growing base of diverse investments in fish farming, agriculture, and mining amongst others.

4) There is also the new 15mw Lusiwasi upper hydropower station constructed near serenje in central province which is almost ready for commissioning. Because of that serenje and surrounding areas have seen increased activities in agriculture and mining in recent years.

There is also soon to come the Lusiwasi lower power hydro station. This is a mini- hydro power station of 6mw capacity which was constructed in 1974 and will be increased to 86 megawatts.

5) In 2014, the pf government also commissioned the Kariba North bank extension power station, which brought in an extra 360 megawatts into the national grid. This represented the largest injection of power into the Zambian power grid since the construction of the last major power station.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In collaboration with the world bank, my government has since commenced the promotion of the construction of two renewable solar plants in the Lusaka multi-facility economic zone at a combined capacity of 82 megawatts of power. This will add renewable solar in line with our vision to diversify the generation of power to mitigate climatic challenges.

In addition, the german sponsored get fit project will produce 200 megawatts of solar power.

My government is also supporting a 600 megawatts renewable solar project, a public-private partnership (PPP) between ZESCO and power China.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Northern, Eastern and Muchinga provinces, had sufferred unreliable electricity supply before we formed the government. Citizens in these areas complained of constant low voltage, especially during peak hours.

From 2016, my government invested in a massive transmission line upgrade from 66 kilo volts to 330 kilo volts. This has since changed the lives of the people in those provinces.

In 2017, my government worked in collaboration with the German government, to complete a major project which connected the districts of Mwinilunga, Kabompo, Mumbezhi, Mufumbwe, Zambezi, Chavuma, Mushindamo, and Lukulu (in the western province) to the national grid.

Countrymen and women,

Previously, the entire northwestern province apart from Solwezi and Kasempa were supplied by small diesel generators. We in pf have since connected western and north western province to the national grid.
My government has connected Nalolo, Sikongo, Lwampa, Luangwa, Chitambo, Lusingazi, and Rufunsadistrict to the national grid.

Also connected to the national grid areLufwanyama, Msanzala, Chasefu, Chipangali, Mpika Kanchibiya area, Monze North, Muzuma-Kozo, Kasamato Kachumu, Mporokoso to Mbereshi, Mufumbwe to Kabompo and Chavuma, Zambezi, Mwinilunga, and Ikelenge.

In addition, my government has invested in the Chama-Lundazi transmission infrastructure to connect the two districts as a matter of urgency as you know previously we used to get power for these districts from Malawi.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Before, I conclude I wish to recognize the significant contribution by the Chinese government on this project. China is an all-weather friend to Zambia. China does not put conditions on our friendship.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me end by stating that I am proud to be president of Zambia and a torchbearer of outstanding investments in the energy sector aimed at making the lives of our people better. We wouldn’t have been here today without your support to my government and ZESCO.

The legacy of our investments in the energy sector will continue to glitter in Zambia and within the entire southern African region. Therefore, continue supporting our investments in the energy sector and together we shall transform this country into an electricity hub of the region.

It is now my singular honor and privilege to commission the first unit of the Kafue Gorge Lower hydro-power station, here in the Chikankata district.

I thank you, and God bless you all
And our great republic of Zambia.

The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) has revealed that works on the construction of sub-stations under the Lusaka Transmission Distribution Rehabilitation Project have reached 90 percent.

ZESCO Senior Manager Corporate Affairs Officer John Kunda disclosed that work on most of the substations are complete and that the Corporation has been re-aligning the lines to complete the works fully.

Dr Kunda stated that once the sub-stations are completed, citizens will have a consistent and stable supply of power.

Dr. Kunda was speaking on the Hot FM breakfast show where he stated that the project has been funded by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank at a cost of 246 million United States dollars.

Dr Kunda noted the current power outages the city has been experiencing are partly from the project underway as well as maintenance works being implemented.

He said the country is no longer experiencing load shedding as power generation is currently at full capacity.

“There is no longer load shedding in the country. What you see is power interruptions due to scheduled maintenance works. There are certain areas that have experienced consistent maintenance works such as Avondale, Chalala, Thorn Park, Ibex, First Street, and Roma among others because there are serious works,” he said.

He has however warned citizens to stop vandalizing power distribution line as that will disrupt power supply to the citizens

Dr Kunda further stated that President Edgar Lungu is today expected to commission the Kafue Lower Hydro power station which will increase power supply.

“We are very grateful that that President Edgar Lungu will fire the first 150 megawatts of power at the Kafue Gorge Lower hydro power station. This is a flagship project for ZESCO and we are very proud. It is a 2.3 billion with 2 measure components, 5 generating units each generating 150 watts and we are firing one,” he explained.

And President Lungu also revealed on his Facebook page that he is today set to commission the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station.

The President wrote that the project cost 2.3 billion United States dollars and has employed 4,000 Zambians who have worked alongside 578 Chinese expatriates.

The Head of State said the high level of expertise exhibited at the project, has empowered the local workers with new technical skills.

President Lungu also added that among beneficiaries of the skills transfer during the project are students from the local institutions of higher learning.

President Lungu further said the cluster of human resource will benefit the nation in future projects.

“Another cluster of beneficiaries of the project are the local suppliers and contractors who were engaged to provide various materials and services. Among these were vendors around the project site and other daily essentials to the workers,” he wrote.

The Patriotic Front (PF) has said that it has unearthed a scam in which the opposition UPND is allegedly planning to cause mayhem on the 10th and 11th August.

PF Media Director Antonio charged that the UPND have done their calculations and realized that they do not have the numbers to win this year’s elections hence they have resorted to violence to disrupt the elections and discredit its outcome.

Mr. Mwanza has disclosed that the UPND are currently organizing 60,000 youths in Lusaka to cause mayhem on the 10th and 11 August in Mandevu compound.

“They are organizing these youths and want to have what they will call a social contract signing with these youths in Mandevu,” Mr. Mwanza said.

“The whole idea is that when they go to Mandevu with these 60,000 youths at Heroes stadium, the whole idea is that when the police go to Heroes stadium to stop this illegal meeting then UPND will unleash these youths to Mandevu and Matero; they’ll burn vehicles, they burn people’s tuntemba and they’ll also kill people,” he added.

The PF Media Director also disclosed that the party has so far identified three places, one in Neganega and two in Chawama where the UPND are training young people and grooming them into a militia specifically to unleash them on the 10th and 11th August to disrupt the peace in Lusaka and the Copperbelt.

Mr. Mwanza explained that the UPND are doing this to intimidate and instill fear in people in the PF strongholds to ensure that they do not turn up on elections day.

He said the party has since reported the matter to the police and will further make a formal complaint to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on Friday 23rd July 2021.

The PF Media Director has noted with regret that the UPND has resorted to violence to justify their impending loss on 12th August and use it as part of the claims they will use to petition the outcome of the general elections.

“We want the media to help us to send this message very clearly that UPND is not committed to peace adding that the peace pledge they signed was simply a gimmick to hoodwink Zambians that they are committed to peace.

The Bankers Association of Zambia(BAZ) has advised public service workers with existing loans obtained from commercial banks and other financial institutions,that the existing terms and conditions under which these loans were contracted are still in force.

In a press statement released to the media, the Bankers Association of Zambia CEO Leonard Mwanza stated that all loans contracted by public service workers through bilateral agreements with commercial banks and other financial institutions shall remain active and serviced through direct debit orders in individual bank accounts as contained in the existing loan agreements.

Last week the government announced the commencement of the process of debt swap across the civil service. This followed a signing ceremony of the addendum to the current collective agreement on the implementation of debt swap for the civil service between the Government and the Public Sector Unions.

Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga said no deductions will be made from salaries of all civil servants for the next three months effective immediately.

“All Civil Servants having Loans and advances will get their full salaries for the next three months starting from July,” he added.

Mr. Malupenga said the debt will be owed to their employers in this case government. He said third-party institutions will be directly be dealt with by their employers.

Last year Government secured K500 million to help clear outstanding debts for civil servants through swapping of what government owes workers such as leave benefits and settling allowances among others.

However the Banks Association is awaiting guidance from the Government on the ongoing reconciliations and the debt buy-back mechanisms.

Below is the Full Press Statement

BANKERS ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA MEDIA STATEMENT IN GOVERNMENT’S DEBT SWAP INITIATIVE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYEES

Lusaka ,July 22,2021– The Bankers Association of Zambia(BAZ) has taken note of the intention of the Government and representatives of the public service workers’ unions,to provide relief to public service workers under the debt swap initiative.

We wish to advise the public service workers with existing loans obtained from commercial banks and other financial institutions,that the existing terms and conditions under which these loans were contracted are still in force.

In this regard,all loans contracted under the Payroll Management and Establishment Control(PMEC) shall remain active and serviced by the Government.

Equally,all loans contracted by public service workers through bilateral agreements with commercial banks and other financial institutions shall remain active and serviced through debit orders in individual bank accounts as contained in the existing loan agreements.

The Association awaits further guidance from the Governement on the ongoing reconcilliations and the debt buy-back mechanisms.

Issued by

Banks Association of Zambia

Leonard Mwanza (Mr.)
Chief Executive Officer