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The Bank of Zambia has received enquiries from the public to clarify the factors behind the recent sharp appreciation of the Kwacha against the United States dollar.

In the May 2021 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Statement, the Monetary Policy Rate was maintained at 8.5 percent despite the notable increase in inflation.
In doing so, the MPC had stated the following:

“…While inflation is projected to remain above the upper bound of the 6-8 percent target range over the forecast horizon, inflationary pressures are expected to ease in view of the improved supply of food, particularly maize and wheat following a good crop harvest. In addition, the significant improvement in copper prices and renewed interest in domestic Government securities by non-resident investors are supportive of the foreign exchange market and in turn lower inflation going forward. The decision also recognises existing vulnerabilities in the financial sector and fragile growth. To restore and anchor macroeconomic stability, the implementation of fiscal adjustment measures in line with the Economic Recovery Programme and understandings reached in discussions with the IMF remain critical.”

The expectations of the MPC with respect to the exchange rate have begun to materialise. Having come under immense pressure in 2020, owing to the weakening macro-economic environment, which was significantly exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic, the Kwacha has broadly stabilised in 2021. As at July 23, 2021, the year-to-date rate of depreciation of the Kwacha against the US dollar slowed down significantly to about 5.0 percent compared with almost 30.0 percent over the corresponding period in 2020. More recently, the Kwacha was trading at K21.39 on July 23, 2021 compared to K22.64 on July 1, 2021, representing an appreciation of 5.5 percent. The appreciation of the Kwacha largely reflects changes in the actual supply of foreign exchange and expectations of further improvements in supply associated with the forthcoming IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation, improved prospects of a formal Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme with the IMF, as well as buoyant copper prices.

The strong recovery in copper prices to the current level of US$9,521 per metric tonne from a low of US$4,745 in March 2020 has contributed to sustained strong export earnings. This has resulted in improved foreign exchange flows from the mining sector through tax receipts remitted directly to the Bank of Zambia in US dollars. In view of this, the Bank of Zambia has been able to provide more foreign exchange liquidity back into the market to reduce excess demand experienced since mid-2020. As at July 23, 2021, the Bank of Zambia sold US$687.5 million to the market compared to US$86.0 million over the same period in 2020. In addition, foreign exchange inflows from non-resident investors purchasing Government securities have significantly increased, further providing liquidity to the foreign exchange market. These inflows have contributed to the substantial reduction in outstanding demand to below US $5.0 million currently from an estimated peak of US $418 million in May 2021.

Besides supporting the market, the Bank has been able to build up international reserves, which stood at US$1.4 billion at the end of May 2021 compared to US$1.2 billion at end-March 2021. The Bank of Zambia has also continued with the local gold purchase programme, accumulating about US$22.0 million in monetary gold as at July 23, 2021. The improvement in the reserve position increases the country’s ability to respond to unexpected external events and the ability to address volatility in the exchange rate.

The Bank of Zambia will continue to use all available monetary and foreign exchange intervention options, as appropriate, to address developments in the foreign exchange market. This is consistent with the policy goal of maintaining a flexible but relatively stable exchange rate that reflects underlying market conditions over time.

It is important to note that monetary policy remains focused on containing escalating inflation back to the target range of 6-8 percent over the medium term. In this regard, managing risks to the inflation forecast, which include those associated with financial stability and the COVID-19 pandemic, remains critical. In addition, the full implementation of the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP), including the securing of an IMF programme, is a central element in addressing macroeconomic challenges and supporting sustainable and job-creating growth.

Issued by
Besnat Mwanza
Communications Division
Bank of Zambia
Box 30080
LUSAKA
Email: [email protected]

PF says it is not happy with the conduct of Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja

General News

Chief Editor

July 25, 2021

PF says it is not happy with the conduct of Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja

The ruling Patriotic Front in Lusaka has expressed disappointment over Inspector General of Police Mr Kakoma Kanganja’s failure to curb violence being perpetrated by the opposition UPND.

PF Lusaka Province Chairperson MCC Kennedy Kamba wondered why the police service is paying a blind eye to violent acts by the UPND ahead of the August 12 polls.

MCC Kamba mentioned that the police are not doing enough to protect the lives of Zambians.

And the MCC reiterated that the UPND have resorted to violence because they don’t have any campaign message against the mighty PF.

He however appealed to the police to up their game as the country heads to the polls.

“Our colleagues from the UPND don’t have anything to tell the Zambian people and they have resorted to violence. So what happened yesterday along Kabwe Road, from Katuba, Kabangwe area up to Chisamba, people lost their merchandise, people were brutalized, people were beaten,” he said.

“As a party I want to put it very clear that we are disappointed with the leadership of Kanganja, the Inspector General of Police. The party is not happy with the way police are conducting themselves. Up to now we have not heard how many people have been arrested. Remember some few days ago our offices in Chawama were burnt?”

The Provincial Chairperson disclosed that cadres from the opposition party yesterday beat up people adding that they pulled down the PF Campaign Bill Board in Kafue.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Chairperson wondered why the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is not intervening in the matter by suspending the opposition party’s campaigns.

MCC Kamba said the Commission should have intervened in the matter like they did when PF Founder Member Dr. Chishimba Kambwili was accused of using tribal sentiments.

“When Chishimba Kambwili uttered what they called tribal sentiments, they were very fast to react because Kambwili was speaking against the UPND, against tribalism. Today they are failing to warn Hakainde Hichilema, today they are failing to ban the campaign of the UPND which is very clear that theirs is to beat people,” he said.

“What they want to do is to instill fear in the members of the public so that they don’t turn up in numbers when 12 August comes…..especially in our strongholds.”

President Edgar Lungu has propelled Muchinga province beyond imagination-Captain Davison Mulenga

Rural News

Chief Editor

July 25, 2021

President Edgar Lungu has propelled Muchinga province beyond imagination-Captain Davison Mulenga

Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Captain Davison Mulenga says President Edgar Lungu has propelled the province beyond imagination.

Captain Mulenga said the new Chinsali General Hospital possessed specialised services to avoid referring cases to other provinces.

The PS was speaking when he featured on Government Forum Discussion Programme on ZNBC this evening.

He said the area now had a Provincial fuel deport thereby creating self reliance.

The Provincial PS added that Muchinga now had a provincial studio under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services to improve access to information.

Captain Mulenga further said a Provincial Medical Hub was currently in place to have sufficient drugs in the area.

The PS stated that the One Stop Border Post at Nakonde now made clearance of goods quicker including movement of goods.

He said out of 54 health posts allocated to Muchinga Province, about 6 were remaining to be completed.

Captain Mulenga said investment in water supply currently stood at 100% in Mpika, 98% in Chinsali while Nakonde managed to get clear water.

He stated that the new Kapasa Makasa University in Chinsali would this year produce the first graduates as Paul Mushindo University remained under construction.

The PS said the new Trades Training Institute in Isoka was further catering for unserviced districts while former TAZARA Offices in Mpika were turned into a branch of the Copperbelt University.

Captain Mulenga said Muchinga Province which had reliable rainfall and fertile soil compounded by early delivery of farming inputs resulted in over four bumper harvests in the last four farming seasons.

He said the PF Government was also rolling out Social Cash Transfer, Keep the Girls in School Programme and youth empowerment programmes.

750 Megawatts Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro-Power Station: Who gets the Credit?

Columns

Chief Editor

July 25, 2021

750 Megawatts Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro-Power Station: Who gets the Credit?

By McPherson Chanda

I am not sure how President Lungu shouldn’t be given full credit for implementing a project which he discussed and negotiated for in 2015 as the nation begun facing crippling power shortages and blackouts. Granted the bilateral ties between Zambia and China date back to the KK era and there was a visit in 2007 by a Chinese Leader during the Mwanawasa era over which a regrettable “political quarrel” was referred to by Uncle Magande occurred.

Now, if it takes 8 years for a project to be revisited, signed – off and implemented it begs the question what was not done under Presidents RB and Sata over the Kafue Gorge Lower Power Project which Pres Lungu did and assured the nation that load – shedding would end? Matter of fact Chinese bilateral aid from TAZARA, Great North Road, Mwanawasa Stadium etc doesn’t take #years to move from signing to implementation.

Sinohydro Representative present a gift to President edgar Lungu after commissioning of the Kafue lower hydro power station in chikankata

In addition, apart from the 150 megawatts added from the first turbine at Kafue Gorge Lower, the PF Administration has ALREADY doubled the country’s power generation capacity from 1,600 to 3,200 over the past 10 years. (For argument’s sake, take away the 150 Megawatts added, there is still over 1,300 that has been brought on board).

It can be agreed that PF needs to do better in managing the #exchange rate because it has been driving the high INFLATION rate or the sharp increase in prices.

However, among the things that cannot be argued is that PF has scored very well in the ENERGY SECTOR. Load shedding is over and the addition of the remaining 600 megawatts from Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro – Power Station will add to the country’s future #export earnings.

In fairness, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu gets full marks for this. A daunting crisis chose him and he faced – up to it. It is fine to give credit where it is due – even to an opponent when he scores.

UPND is not interested in fighting with anyone, but ensure that the party forms government after elections – William Banda

Headlines

Chief Editor

July 25, 2021

Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) chairperson for special duties William Banda has urged electorates not only of Lusaka central but also countrywide affected by the poor living conditions experience under the ruling PF not to hesitate casting votes in favor of all the UPND candidates at every level.

Banda told electorate after a peaceful successful door-to-door campaign that the UPND did not cause violence nor remove campaign posters for the ruling PF because they are after votes from the electorate.

He said the UPND is not interested in fighting with anyone but ensuring that the party forms government after the forthcoming presidential and general elections billed for August 12.

Unlike the PF bent on causing violence, Banda said at every given opportunity, the UPND president signed a peace accord to show that the party is peaceful.

He said the UPND leaders signed the peace accord because he is interested in seeing the elections to be free and fair.

He said Hichilema is not only peaceful and loving but he is also a law abiding citizens who want to see peace reign before, during and after elections.

He said it is not only this peaceful and loving nature but also his law abiding nature that has attracted people to Hichilema.

And Lusaka Central Parliamentary candidate Mulambo Haimbe told electorates at the se venue shortly after a successful door to door campaign, that the only secret to good life is voting for the UPND in this coming elections.

Haimbe said come August 12, the electorates have an opportunity to either continue with poor living standard or vote for the UPND and lead a good life.

He regretted that the majority of the people in Zambia cannot afford to earn a living because means have been restricted to a selected few surrounding the PF.

He said the only way out to vote the PF out of government and have it replaced with the caring UPND government.

Boxer Zimba Makes Flying Olympics Start

Sports

sports

July 24, 2021

It was a productive Saturday for Team Zambia at the Tokyo Olympics not only on the pitch but in the ring as well.

Shepolopolo drew 4-4 with China on Saturday to erase their 10-3 Olympic debut defeat at the hands of Holland on July to put themselves in the hunt for a quaterfinal place.

In Boxing, welterweight Stephen Zimba has advanced to the round of 16 following a 5-0 win over Marion AH Tong of Samoa.

Zimba is back in the ring on July 27 to face Russian Andrei Zamkovoi who enjoyed a preliminary round bye.

Winner will advance to the last 16 on July 30 to face either Shadiri Bwogi of Uganda or Georgian Madiev Eskerkhan who will be in action on July 27.

Meanwhile, Shepolopolo must beat Brazil this Tuesday in Saitama to strengthen their hopes of clinching one of the two third best finisher quarterfinal berths in the three-group , twelve team Olympic Women’s Football competition.

Zambia are three points behind second placed Brazil and leaders Holland who drew 3-3 to move to 4 points after Saturdays penultimate Group F games.

Shepolopolo Earn Draw Against Lucky China

Sports

sports

July 24, 2021

Shepolopolo were denied their debut Olympic victory on Saturday by a very fortunate 10-man China to finish 4-4 in a match Zambia rallied from three-one down in their penultimate Group F match played at Miyagi Stadium in Rifu.

China started brightly and took a three-one lead in the opening thirty minutes of the match through Wang Shuang who fired in a first half hat-trick in the 6th, 22nd and 23rd minutes.

But Rachel Kundananji, who missed Wednesdays 10-3 loss to Holland after arriving late from her Kazakh base, squeezed in Zambia’s opening goal with a 15th minute header.

Kundananji them won a 41st minute penalty that Barbara Banda converted to see the Shepolopolo captain score her first goal en route to her second successive Olympic hat-trick as Zambia headed into the break narrowly trailing 3-2.

Banda completed her hat-trick in the 46th and 69th minutes and on both occasions out-paced China’s defence to set another milestone as the first African woman to score two hat-tricks in one Olympics.

But Zambia let China back into the match in the 82nd minute through a Lushomo Mweemba handball in the box and Shuang stepped up to convert the penalty.

Banda was then denied a chance of scoring the winning goal for Zambia when she was pulled down by Li Qingting outside the box as she raced in with a clear opportunity to earn the three points for Shepolopolo.

But Shepolopolo also had goalkeeper Hazel Nali to thank in stoppage time when she put her body on the line to deny Shuang her fourth goal and victory for China.

Zambia and China are tied on 1 point each heading into Tuesdays final Group F match against Brazil and Holland respectively who were in action by press time.

The real battle is between the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Ruling Patriotic Front (PF)

Columns

Chief Editor

July 24, 2021

The real battle is between the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Ruling Patriotic Front (PF)

By Venus N Msyani

Asking for forgiveness if sounding like trying to discourage morale in the camps of other candidates. Though 16 presidential candidates are contesting the upcoming election in Zambia, the real battle is between the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Ruling Patriotic Front (PF).

It is the third time UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and PF leader Edgar Chagwa Lungu are facing each other in a general election.

If Hakainde Hichilema is going to lose again as prophesied by some prophets and predicted by some so-called political analysts, the question is by what margin?

Simple math points to Hakainde offsetting the margin. He has lost two elections and managed to narrow the margin in both hence probability of doing the same in the next election is high.

In the 2015 by-election, which was a result of the death of late President Michael Sata, Hakainde Hichilema lost to Edgar Chagwa Lungu by a margin of about 27,700 votes.

In the 2016 general election Hakainde lost again but managed to cut the margin to half. He lost by only about 13000 votes.

If anything has changed between 2016 and 2021, has changed in favor of Hakainde Hichilema. Standing on the way of fundamental human rights, corruption, negative attitude towards social media, unnecessary arrests, and violence have made people lose confidence in the PF government.

Internet is another thing that will help to produce the next president for Zambia. Social media fits into the equation.
Though there are several conflicting reports online about internet penetration in Zambia, every Zambian will agree that the number of Zambians who are on social media in 2021 is more than that of 2016.
An implication that social media is able to offset the 13000-vote difference won by PF in 2016 and can be concluded by rewriting the above question:

Hakainde Hichilema will win the upcoming August 12 election by how many votes? Will it be enough to avoid 50+1vote clause?

In the column article “UPND’s Propaganda and Social Media Obsession Can’t Win Elections,” on Lusaka Times about a week ago, the author argues that social media politics has made UPND supporters create an illusion in their minds that they are popular and they have already won the 2021 elections.

This has nothing to do with propaganda. Unless one is not wise enough to know why there is a waged war against social media by the PF government. PF saw a loss coming a long time ago.

Zambia is in safe hands under President Edgar Lungu-Luo

Headlines

Chief Editor

July 24, 2021

Zambia is in safe hands under President Edgar Lungu-Luo

President Edgar Lungu’s running mate Professor Nkandu Luo says the country is in safe hands under President Edgar Lungu.

Speaking at a media briefing in Kitwe, Professor Luo said President Lungu walks the talk and means well for the country.

She said President Lungu and the PF have laid a strong foundation that is moving the country to greater heights.

Professor Luo said the country under the Patriotic Front as seen major transformation in all sectors and the opposition now have no clear campaign message to sell to the electorates.

” We have been able to look at the foundations we made as a party when we formed government in 2011, we made a decision to focus on massive infrastructure development and our critics laughed at us but to see Zambia a prosperous nation we needed to focus on infrastructure development, any person who understands economics understands the importance of a good road network. ” Professor Luo said.

” Zambia had bad road networks before PF formed government but now with the good roads it has made trade and commerce easy especially in rural areas where farmers are able to move their produce to the markets,” she said.

And Professor Luo said the PF government is forward looking.

” We have been looking into the future as a team and we have laid a foundation and we have put into practice most of the things we had promised,” Professor Luo said.

Meanwhile, Professor Luo said the opposition UPND has no message hence resorting to violence.

She has since challenged UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema to openly condemn violence and tame his cadres.

” Our critics have no message hence resorting to violence. As PF we have never had a fight in areas where we have been because we have a message. Just yesterday we heard of stories where our people where beaten by the UPND in Keembe. Any single place they go to, there is a fight,” she said.

” Zambians should begin to analyse leaders and reject violent ones. President Lungu has always condemned violence and has never tolerated it. Hakainde Hichilema is promoting violence and if he is a good leader he should condemn violence by his cadres,” Professor Luo said.

And Professor Luo said the ruling party is conducting its campaigns with strict adherence to Covid – 19 health guidelines.

” We are not having any mass rallies. We chose a strategy that could achieve the same results as mass rallies.We meet small groups of people and focus on the messages, you can have mass rallies and achieve nothing at the end of the day.

Fred M’membe on the Wrong Diagnosis for Tribalism and Regionalism in Zambia

Videos and Audios

Chief Editor

July 24, 2021

Fred M’membe on the Wrong Diagnosis for Tribalism and Regionalism in Zambia

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=560851165100311

Chief Matipa counsels subjects on voter apathy

Rural News

Chief Editor

July 24, 2021

Chief Matipa counsels subjects on voter apathy

Chief Matipa of the Bisa people in Chilubi district of Northern Province says he will encourage his subjects to turn up in numbers to votes in the August 12th General Elections.

The traditional leader has noted with concern that the people of the Chilubi district had been shunning going for voting in the past elections.

ZANIS reports that the chief said a lot of people have opted to spend their time on the fishing camps and do not return to cast their votes.

“This time around I have already taken it upon myself to direct them to return from their camps and cast their votes during the August 12 elections because they are very important,’ he said.

The Chief has since ordered every fisherman to return home on the 6th of August so that they can choose their leaders in this year’s general elections.

Chief Matipa said this is to curb the voter apathy the district has been experiencing in the past elections.

“Voter apathy has been experienced in this district in the past elections but I will make sure that this time there will be massive turnout,” he said.

He was speaking when Northern Province Presidential Campaign Manager, Geoffrey Mwamba, paid a courtesy call on him at his place.

And Mr Mwamba has welcomed the chief’s decision of taking part in fighting voter apathy which the country has experienced in some parts.

Mr Mwamba explained that it is sad that despite a lot of people registering as voters only few take their time to go and cast their votes.

“I am happy that you have taken this important move to encourage your subjects to turn up in large numbers to cast their votes in this year’s general elections,” he said.

He said if traditional leaders start to take the lead in the fight against voter apathy it might encourage a lot of electorates to cast their vote.

The Campaign Manager has noted that citizens should know that it is their right to choose leaders of their choice.

“It is their right to vote and choose leaders of their choice hence the need for them to cast their votes for representatives who should bring development to this area,” he added.

He also appealed to other traditional leaders to explain to their subjects that they should choose leaders who are God-fearing in this year’s general elections.

Mr Mwamba said some of the leaders have been rejected by the citizens in the past because they do not have leadership qualities.

National Olympic Committee of Zambia defends Tilka after attacks over her nationality

Headlines

Chief Editor

July 24, 2021

National Olympic Committee of Zambia defends Tilka after attacks over her nationality

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia has jumped to the defence of Tilka Paljk, one of the two swimmers competing as part of Team Zambia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Some Zambia took to social media attacking Paljk after she was announced as one of the two flag carriers for the opening ceremony.

They questioned her nationality stating that she is not Zambian enough to represent the country at the global sporting showpiece.

But National Olympics of Zambia President Alfred Foloko said the attacks on Paljk her unfortunate.

“Our beloved sports fans, the comments I have seen all over social media over the past few days makes a sad reading. Only a week ago we were burying our founding father, Dr. Kenneth David Buchizya Kaunda, who was clear about building One United Nation,” Foloko said.

“These comments border on division and segregation. Something Zambia has stood against for the past 50 years. It is very saddening,” he said.

“For us as the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ), we have weathered such bias and will continue to focus on the facts whilst upholding the law. The principle of gender equality represented at the games under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is one of the key agenda recommendations in the strategic plan.”

“Tilka Paljk is one of the two swimmers competing as part of Team Zambia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. She like the other 29 athletes is representing Mother Zambia in all aspects. NOCZ has a mandate to ensure that two athletes of different gender carry the flag of the country they are representing at the time of the Opening Ceremony at all Multi-sport competitions such as the Olympic Games and in this particular the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games being held right now.”

Foloko said Paljk is a bonafide Zambian and deserves respect and admiration for her efforts to carry the flag and represent her country.

“We disregard such ignorant hurtful comments from our fans who may not have an idea of what constitutes a citizen. We encourage Tilka to remain focused fully believing in herself and ensuring to perform at her very best while dressed in Zambian colours,” he said.

Government happy with UNZA’s Agriculture Technology Demonstration Centre

Economy

Chief Editor

July 24, 2021

The government has Commended the University of Zambia (UNZA) for the good works at the Agriculture Technology Demonstration Centre(ATDC).

And Ministry of Higher Education Permanent Secretary Ms Kayula Siame has since urged UNZA to enhance commercialization of the ATDC at their Liempe Farm in Silverest.

Ms Siame said that investment will help the centre take off from its formative phase to a commercial level.

She added that a lot could be done in terms of adaptive technology, to support growth of the country’s sector.

Ms Siyame was speaking when she conducted a familiarization tour of the UNZA Agriculture Technology Demonstration Centre and the Presidential milling plant.

She has emphasised on the need to bring these technologies to the level where entrepreneurs and farmers at all levels can easily utilize them.

“We need to bring these technologies to the level where entrepreneurs and farmers at all levels can easily utilize them and use it for their own livelihood but also for commercial purposes.” she said

“So that two thronged approach is very important because we are looking at sustaining small scale farmers and also the commercial aspect. That blend is very important that needs to be worked on,” She said.

Ms. Siame also said the Presidential Milling Plant, with a capacity of 40 tons, was an impressive facility that would contribute to maize production.

And UNZA Vice-Chancellor Prof Luke Mumba said the Presidential Milling Plant, which is about 90% towards completion, represents an investment from both the Zambian and Chinese Government.

He said the centre has undergone three-phase which started in 2009 and are currently in the third phase.

Prof Goma mentioned that the third phase, which is the sustainability phase, will transform the centre into a scientific hub that has a strong commercialization undertaking.

This is contained in a statement issued by Ministry of Higher Education Public Relations Unit.

Ministry of Higher Education Permanent Secretary Ms Kayula Siame at the UNZA Agric Technology Centre

President Lungu commends traditional leadership for supporting the Kafue Gorge Lower Power project.

General News

Chief Editor

July 24, 2021

President Lungu commends traditional leadership for supporting the Kafue Gorge Lower Power project.

President Edgar Lungu has commended the manner in which traditional leadership have rallied behind the government in the implementation of the Kafue Gorge Lower Power project.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on chiefs in Chikankata shortly before commissioning the first 150-megawatt power generation unit of the Kafue Gorge Lower power station, President Lungu said the collaboration between traditional leadership and government should be a model others must emulate.

The traditional rulers President Lungu paid a courtesy call on are Chief Naluama of Chikankata, Chieftainess Sikongo of Chirundu, and Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo the second of the Soli people in Chongwe

President Lungu said without the help of chiefs, the project would not have been a success because the Kafue Gorge Lower power project stretches across all three chiefdoms.

The President added that his government believes in inclusivity stating that no one should be left behind.

“It’s difficult to deliver projects of this magnitude because of squabbles between communities, between chiefdoms and so on, but here we are. It’s a grand project located in more than four or five chiefdoms but we agreed and you allowed us and your people cooperated,” Mr Lungu said.

And Chief Naluama says he is proud that such a huge energy project is located in his chiefdom.

And Chief Naluama said he is delighted that the locals have gained employment owing to the Kafue Gorge Lower power project.

Chief Naluama said his subjects will now have access to electricity.

“I have no doubt that people around such as the Shamubobo village to mention a few will receive power as soon as possible,” the traditional ruler said,

And speaking in a speech after the commissioning of the project, Chieftainess Mukamambo the Second disclosed that she gave out more than 5,000 hectares of land for the implementation of the Kafue Gorge Lower Power project.

President Lungu has built on KK’s infrastructure legacy and made Zambia a Power-hub in southern region

Economy

Chief Editor

July 24, 2021

President Lungu has built on KK’s infrastructure legacy and made Zambia a Power-hub in southern region

ZESCO Board Chairperson Chibwe Mwelwa has reiterated that President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has built on KK’s infrastructure legacy and made Zambia a Power-hub in southern region. Mr. Mwelwa said this today at the commissioning of the 750MW Kafue Lower Gorge project in Chikankata constitutency, Southern Province.

Mr. Mwelwa added that electricity generation is vital in the development of any nation. President Kenneth Kaunda last commissioned a power project in 1977. Since the ruling Patriotic Front popular victory in 2011, they have embarked on a number of projects across the country.

“And because of these projects, Zambia in the whole of Southern Africa, is the highest producer of electricity. The PF Government under the remarkable leadership of His Excellence Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu has connected Southern Province, North-Western Province, and other parts of Zambia which were not part of the national grid. This is essential for national development for instance, you need energy to run industries, or mines or even running a chigayo at the market , you need power, because power drives the economy”, he explained.

The board Chairperson further stated that Zambia used to have about 600,000 households connected to the national grid but the *PF Government* had doubled the digits to over 1,300,000 users. In terms of power generation, which is unprecedented.

*President Lungu’s* vision to develop this country has made us become the highest producer of electricity in southern region. In addition, we have now after 57 years of Independence the capacity to export power to neighboring countries, a huge milestone for as a country and ZESCO in particular.

President Lungu was in Chikankata district, Southern province to launch the Kafue Lower Gorge Hydropower project, one of the three major game-changer projects.

He was received by PF National Chairman and ZRA board chairman, Southern province permanent secretary, Lusaka province permanent secretary, ZESCO managing director and board members, IDC group CEO, China embassy and China representative to Zambia, PF Southern province chairman , Southern Province Presidential campaign coordinator, PF adopted candidate for Chikankata constitutency, and other senior Government and party officials.