Obvious Summerton Mwaliteta, who refers to himself as a Lusaka lawyer, has stated that it is a sign of total disrespect for Members of Parliament to refuse to work with the government of the day in formulating laws.
Mwaliteta claimed that MPs are not paid salaries to fight the government but to facilitate progress. He warned that refusing to vote for a bill in Parliament amounts to a serious offense and will attract consequences.
“We’re all lawyers and we understand these things. What I know is that MPs must support the government instead of just getting paid for free. If they get paid but refuse to vote for a Bill 7 then it is going to amount to obtaining money by false pretence. We shall deal with such MPs, they will be visited,” Mwaliteta said.
Mwaliteta’s credentials have been a subject of public controversy. Eden University recently issued a statement clarifying that he has never studied law at their institution, contrary to his claims. The UPND Lusaka Province Chairperson, who now calls himself a Lusaka lawyer, has not publicly responded to Eden University’s clarification. It remains unclear where he studied law.
However, Mwaliteta achieved six points in last year’s GCE examinations, a claim the Examination Council of Zambia has not refuted.
New Heritage Party President Chishala Kateka has stated it would be unwise for the UPND government not to end load-shedding by 2026, noting that governments typically address pressing issues in an election year.
Her remarks follow a statement by Energy Minister Makozo Chikote on Friday, who said citizens would start seeing the results of government investments in the energy sector next year. Minister Chikote emphasized that this should not be assumed to be motivated solely by elections.
In an interview, Kateka expressed skepticism, recalling that the UPND has long promised to end load-shedding. She said citizens would only believe the government when they see tangible results.
“It may happen or it may not happen. As a government that is there, it would not be wise of them if they did not work towards ensuring that [it ends]. It would not work well for them if they didn’t invest adequately to ensure that the people vote for them. Isn’t that what all governments do? They wait until the last minute, then they invest to deceive people, so I’m sure we can expect the same from them,” Kateka stated.
She criticized the government’s transparency, saying, “We’ve been told so many stories that we now no longer know what to believe. What we would say is we wait to see the outcome of those investments… We are tired of the stories and therefore, we’ll take this as another one of those stories unless and until we actually see that investment bearing fruition.”
Kateka added that whether the move is election-driven or not, the public will judge based on results. She drew a parallel to the fable of “the boy who cried wolf,” suggesting that repeated unmet promises have eroded trust.
“These people are not transparent, so we don’t know what they are doing. They are not transparent; this is the most non-transparent government I’ve ever come across,” she concluded.
Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gift Sialubalo has pledged that “heads will roll” following the unauthorized demolition of structures in Chingola and Kasompe. He stated that officials who abused their authority by carrying out the demolitions will be held accountable.
The action comes after residents of Kasompe Airstrip reported that their houses were demolished by council workers, with allegations that armed officers brutalized men, women, and children during the operation.
Speaking at a press briefing, Minister Sialubalo revealed that preliminary findings indicate the Chingola demolition was executed without a council resolution, proper documentation, or prior notification to the area MP, local councillor, or the affected families. He expressed shock that some councillors participated despite the lack of formal approval.
“There are people operating above the law. We are not going to spare anyone involved. Even if structures are illegal, proper processes must be followed,” Sialubalo asserted.
He has directed the local authority to submit a full report identifying who authorized the demolition, who allocated the plots, and who issued any building permits.
Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo also condemned the demolitions in Kasompe, confirming that 10 families were displaced. He stated that the provincial administration was not informed, violating a 2023 directive requiring councils to seek provincial approval before any demolition.
“This was wrong timing and harsh, especially in the rainy season,” Matambo said. “We will follow this issue and deal with anyone found wanting. Dialogue, not demolition, is the solution.”
Minister Sialubalo further warned that officials, councillors, or party members who defy regulations will not be protected. “We have to uproot the roots of illegal land allocation,” he said. “We are not going to spare anyone.”
Zambian football icon Kalusha Bwalya has been taken to the Lusaka High Court over allegations that he received payment for a plot of land in Chongwe but failed to complete the sale.
According to court documents filed on December 2, businessman Davie Zulu claims he paid K426,720 for Plot No. 26188/M in March 2021 after signing a contract through Bwalya’s appointed attorney, Fabian Nzala.
Zulu states that he fulfilled all contractual obligations, including lodging and later withdrawing a caveat at the Ministry of Lands. The agreement required that payment be made after the caveat was successfully lodged, with funds deposited into the vendor’s account minus legal fees and transfer taxes. The vendor was also to grant vacant possession of the land free of any encumbrances within two months.
Zulu alleges he made the full payment on March 26, 2021, lodged the caveat on March 30, 2021, and withdrew it on September 7, 2021.
The court documents reveal that Bwalya wrote to the Chief Registrar of Lands on June 24, 2021, seeking a re-issued certificate of title after claiming the original was missing. The Ministry of Lands also could not locate a photocopy. When the lease expired in 2022, a new offer letter was issued in Bwalya’s name on May 30, 2022.
Zulu contends that despite these developments, Bwalya has been reluctant to instruct his lawyer to sign the new lease, effectively blocking the completion of the transaction and constituting a breach of contract.
As Bwalya currently resides in Johannesburg, South Africa, Zulu has requested the court’s permission to serve him with the lawsuit through a substituted service—specifically, an advertisement in the South African newspaper The Citizen, due to its wide circulation.
Through his lawyers, Zambezi Chambers, Zulu is seeking specific performance of the contract, damages for breach of contract, interest, and legal costs.
Following an inspection of the newly rehabilitated Kasama Sports Stadium, FIFA officials have stated that nothing prevents other stakeholders from undertaking additional improvement works at the facility.
FIFA Lead Regional Development Officer David Fani, who led the inspection alongside Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) officials, expressed satisfaction with the completed works while acknowledging some aspects require conclusion. He emphasized that the project’s scope allows for other parties to assist the community in further enhancing the stadium.
“The scope is there for other parties to come in, even after completion of the project, if there are still works to be done. Other parties can come in and assist the community to improve the facility,” Fani stated.
The $300,000 FIFA-funded project primarily covered pitch installation, civil works, and consultant fees. Fani noted that while the installer did a good job, the pitch has deteriorated due to gaps in maintenance but can be restored with minor work.
FAZ Northern Province Chairperson Chikonde Mbalazi announced that FAZ will provide 80 plastic chairs for the refurbished VIP area and assured that the pitch will be restored to its previous perfect condition. He called on the business community and civic leaders to partner in completing works outside FIFA’s scope, such as an additional, larger dressing room that was incorporated into the plans but requires further funding.
The rehabilitation, part of five FIFA-funded projects across Zambia, included a facelift for the VIP area, perimeter fencing, two ablution blocks, and a ticketing office. The stadium is now largely complete, pending final touches and ongoing maintenance to preserve the facility.
Minister of Health Elijah Muchima has expressed disappointment over the threat by the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) to go on strike on December 19, 2024, over the non-implementation of the recruitment of volunteer doctors.
Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Muchima described the move as unfortunate and urged the affected doctors to engage the government through established formal channels rather than resorting to public demonstrations.
RDAZ president Paul Chibwe announced the planned industrial action, citing the government’s alleged failure to recruit medical personnel as previously promised.
In response, Dr. Muchima stated that the government is actively addressing the matter, though the recruitment process is constrained by the available fiscal space. He clarified that volunteers are not government employees and that participation in voluntary service is a personal choice.
“First and foremost, volunteers are not employees, and participation in voluntary work is a personal decision; no one is compelled to do it,” the Minister said. He noted that the ministry had earlier this year discussed the issue with relevant stakeholders and provided clear guidelines and a roadmap forward.
Dr. Muchima expressed surprise that the association had taken the matter to the media instead of returning to the ministry for an update. He called on the volunteer doctors to return to the negotiating table, emphasizing that government processes involve necessary bureaucratic steps.
“To our volunteer doctors, we appreciate and thank you. However, it is worrying that some are calling for a strike even before being employed. How do we trust such behaviour? We need loyal and committed people as we move forward,” he stated.
The Minister reiterated that the correct procedure is to first engage the government and only declare a formal dispute if the matter remains unresolved. “As things stand, there is no dispute. This Government has been progressive even within the limited fiscal space of 2024,” he said.
Dr. Muchima affirmed that the ministry is currently undertaking replacement and recruitment procedures in line with established public service processes.
Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Morgan Ng’ona has been sued in the Lusaka High Court by the law firm Messrs Joseph Chirwa and Company for allegedly failing to pay K2 million in outstanding legal fees.
According to a statement of claim filed by the firm, it received instructions from Mr. Ng’ona on two occasions—January 24 and August 27, 2024—to represent him in court proceedings. The agreed scope of work included legal representation, preparation of court documents, and other necessary professional services.
The firm states that it agreed with Mr. Ng’ona on a flat fee of K200,000 for each legal matter, payable regardless of the stage of proceedings. However, Mr. Ng’ona allegedly failed to make the payments.
The claim further alleges that Mr. Ng’ona assured the firm that the State would cover all legal fees and that he and his party enjoyed support from State House and the President. Despite these representations, the fees remain unpaid.
Due to the alleged non-payment, the total outstanding amount has now accumulated to K2 million. The law firm is seeking recovery of the debt through the court.
THE ZAMBIA WE ARE LOSING, THE ZAMBIA WE MUST RESTORE
By Douglas Leroy Namafente
Zambia caught a rare glimpse of its truest self in Kasama today 9th Dec. The funeral of the late Mayor Theresa Mulenga Kolala Khumalo became more than a moment of mourning. It became a reflection of the country’s oldest and most cherished virtue: unity. For a brief period, the noise of politics faded and the nation remembered what it once was, and what it must remain.
The Vice President stood alongside senior opposition members. Rivals within the Patriotic Front, including those competing for the party presidency, set aside their contest and gathered as one. Supporters of the ruling UPND and the PF consoled each other without hesitation. At Chiba Cemetery, there were no factions, no colours, no slogans. There was only Zambia.
This unity was not by chance. It echoed the character of the woman the country came to honour. Mayor Kolala was remembered by Community Development Minister Doreen Mwamba as a leader who balanced demanding public duty with devotion to God and family. Youth, Sport and Arts Minister Elvis Nkandu described her as someone who treated every person with dignity, regardless of party. Permanent Secretary Nicholas Phiri noted her ability to work in harmony with national vision, even without belonging to the ruling party. These tributes were genuine, and they carried a lesson the country cannot afford to ignore.
There was also public expectation that Hon. Chabinga would attend. His absence highlighted an uncomfortable truth. When political resentment becomes too heavy, it limits a leader’s ability to walk into spaces of truth and humility. Zambia deserves leaders free enough to stand with citizens during national moments, not bound by grudges that serve no one.
What happened in Kasama must not remain an isolated scene of unity. It should be a mirror through which this country re-examines itself. Zambia has drifted into a culture of hostility where political identity overshadows national identity. We have begun to forget that before PF or UPND, before tribe or region, we are a nation that has long believed in love over hate and respect over division. Our Constitution begins with acknowledgment of God. If God is supreme, then hatred cannot guide our politics.
It is time for citizens to rethink how they relate to leaders. Disagreements with a President belong at the ballot, not in personal hatred. Hakainde Hichilema is human. Edgar Lungu is human. Each has made decisions that gained praise and decisions that brought criticism. No President meets every expectation, and none ever will. Governance is a relay race. One leader hands over to the next, and the country moves forward by building on what was done well and correcting what went wrong.
Zambia should appreciate the contributions made by the Lungu administration and acknowledge its failures. It should recognise the achievements of the Hichilema administration and question its shortcomings. This is the balance on which democracy stands. It does not require hatred. It requires maturity.
As the nation prepares to bury former President Lungu, Kasama offers a powerful lesson. Let the country extend to him and his family the same unity shown at Mayor Kolala’s funeral. Let us bury him the way we buried Kaunda, Chiluba and Sata, in dignity and without political poison. Zambia does not gain from quarrelling over the dead. It gains from honouring them respectfully and guarding the peace they leave behind.
This country has never survived on the strength of political parties. It has survived on the strength of its people. The spirit of Kasama must therefore guide us forward. We must choose unity over division, humility over pride and love over hate. Zambia is a nation that has always stood with God at the centre. To honour that tradition, we must restore the peace and togetherness that has defined us for generations.
The funeral of Mayor Kolala reminded us of who we were and who we must become again. The choice is ours. One Zambia. One Nation.
Smart Zambia Institute (SZI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ZESCO Limited that will allow the institute to utilise ZESCO’s infrastructure to enhance the delivery of e-government services across the country.
Smart Zambia National Coordinator Percy Chinyama said the MoU will enable the use of ZESCO’s Fibrecom infrastructure to equip health facilities and schools with digital capabilities that improve efficiency in service delivery.
“To me, this is a direct reflection of what our government stands for, using existing infrastructure. We’re not going to be bringing or hauling new infrastructure into the country in order to achieve this connectivity,” Mr Chinyama said.
Smart Zambia Chief Government Technical Officer Kasali Musenge urged the public to embrace technology, stressing that the partnership will transform lives by unlocking wider connectivity for both the public sector and citizens.
“Within the shortest space of time, the 3,200 health facilities we are talking about can be connected in a cost-efficient manner. We have over 10,000 schools in the education sector and it means we can bring all these on board,” Ms. Musenge added.
And ZESCO Limited Managing Director Justin Loongo said the utility will collaborate closely with Smart Zambia through a Joint Project Management Committee to ensure the partnership is well coordinated, measurable and results-driven.
“Connecting schools, clinics and police stations with digital capabilities is not just a technology upgrade, it is an investment in access, responsiveness and equity,” Mr Loongo said,
Mr Loongo added that ZESCO’s subsidiary, Fibrecom, will take the lead in implementing the project.
President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed government’s unwavering support to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), urging all citizens to embrace a zero-tolerance approach to corruption as the country works toward building a corruption-free Zambia.
President Hichilema has called on all Zambians, particularly young people, whom he described as key partners in the fight against corruption, to denounce the vice at all levels.
The President emphasised that fighting corruption requires a dual approach involving both law enforcement and the instilling of strong moral values from an early age.
President Hichilema stressed the importance of protecting public resources, noting that national assets belong to the people of Zambia and not individuals.
He said his administration is committed to sealing corrupt leakages to ensure that public funds are channeled towards national development, including critical sectors such as health and education.
“Zambia must work as one to curb corruption,” he said, adding that families must not shield offenders but instead support efforts to hold them accountable.
He also underscored the need to review certain laws to strengthen the fight against corruption through prosecution and asset recovery.
And Anti-Corruption Commission Board Chairperson Evans Hamaundu called for a holistic approach to combating corruption, reaffirming the Commission’s readiness to act on any case, regardless of who is involved.
ACC Director General Daphne Chabu appealed for a corruption-free future for the country’s youth, noting their central role in building tomorrow’s Zambia.
Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali reaffirmed the organisation’s support to Zambia’s anti-corruption efforts and commended government’s reforms, including the ACC online whistleblower initiative.
Ms. Mutali said young people are powerful agents of change in the anti-corruption agenda.
Transparency International Zambia Chapter President Priscilla Chansa urged youths to continue amplifying their voices in anti-corruption advocacy, stressing that digital innovation must be harnessed to build resilient and integrity-driven institutions.
Representing young people, Brian Mungandu of the Information and Communication University (ICU) Anti-Corruption Club noted that corruption impacts youth heavily and threatens the future they aim to build.
Zambia’s 2012 AFCON-winning captain, Christopher Katongo, has praised the current national team for securing successive AFCON qualifications, describing the achievement as a major milestone for the squad.
Katongo says the back-to-back qualification will give the team vital momentum ahead of the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, boosting their prospects of advancing to the later stages.
Reflecting on Zambia’s early exits in the 2006, 2008 and 2010 AFCON editions, Katongo said those experiences were instrumental in strengthening players’ mental resilience and sharpening their competitive edge.
He noted that each setback contributed significantly to the team’s growth and understanding of the demands of continental football.
Katongo urged the current squad to “hit the ground running” by focusing immediately on attaining peak physical condition ahead of the tournament, stressing that the entire nation is behind them and expects strong performances.
Zambia heads into AFCON 2025 after topping their qualifying group with a convincing win over Côte d’Ivoire, as the team looks to rebuild under new coaching leadership and rekindle the spirit of their 2012 championship triumph.
The media reports that this year’s qualification marks the first time in nine years that Zambia has secured back-to-back appearances at the continental showpiece.
Zambia has secured a 200 million dollar grant from the World Bank to support wide-ranging reforms in the country’s energy sector, a development officials say reflects renewed confidence in ongoing restructuring efforts. The funding is expected to reinforce initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, restoring financial stability within the electricity market, and strengthening the long-term capacity of both public and private institutions participating in the sector.
According to details released by government representatives, the grant forms part of the World Bank’s broader framework for assisting countries undertaking energy transition and governance reforms. Authorities stated that Zambia’s programme was assessed positively due to a series of policy steps taken over the past year, including tariff adjustments intended to move the market toward cost-reflective levels and clearer regulatory oversight covering production, transmission, and distribution. These measures, officials explained, were necessary for creating an environment in which investment can grow and operations can become more predictable.
Government officials noted that Zambia’s electricity sector had, for many years, struggled under the weight of unsustainable pricing and periodic shortfalls in supply exacerbated by declining hydropower generation. They said that without intervention, the utility sector risked slipping further into financial distress, restricting its ability to invest in new infrastructure and undermining national economic performance. The reforms pushed through by the government therefore focused on addressing inherited weaknesses in planning and financing while laying the foundation for future diversification.
World Bank representatives highlighted that the grant is intended to reinforce Zambia’s commitment to transparency, operational efficiency, and improved service delivery. They pointed to mechanisms within the reform programme that strengthen financial reporting, introduce clearer frameworks for debt management, and promote a more commercially oriented approach within state-owned utilities. According to officials associated with the funding arrangement, the reforms also aim to create conditions that attract independent power producers by ensuring that contracts and tariffs are better aligned with market realities.
Among the reforms supported by the grant is the development of a more robust system for planning generation projects. Energy authorities said that the country must reduce its vulnerability to hydrological shocks, which have repeatedly destabilised output in recent years, by expanding solar, wind, and other renewable options. The new funding will help strengthen technical assessments, risk evaluations, and the procurement processes required for such projects to move forward efficiently.
Officials also stressed that the grant is linked to measures designed to protect low-income households from excessive hardship as the sector adjusts. They indicated that part of the funding will support targeted subsidies or social-protection mechanisms intended to ensure that vulnerable communities continue to access electricity while the market moves toward financially sustainable pricing. The government emphasised that social protection remains an essential component of the reform package and will be monitored closely.
The grant further supports efforts to streamline the performance of transmission and distribution networks. Authorities said that ageing infrastructure has contributed to technical losses and limited the ability of the system to accommodate new generation capacity. The funded reforms include work on improving grid stability, expanding the maintenance programme, and equipping the utility with tools for more accurate forecasting and operational planning.
Government representatives also pointed to institutional reforms aimed at improving coordination among ministries and agencies responsible for the energy portfolio. They said clearer regulatory roles and more predictable timelines for licensing and project approval would help reduce uncertainty, which has historically discouraged private investment. The reforms include guidelines for enhancing the independence of the energy regulator and improving data sharing across institutions.
World Bank officials stated that the release of the grant demonstrates confidence that Zambia’s reform programme can restore the financial health of the sector and reduce the frequency of emergency measures, such as load-management periods that have affected businesses, households, and social services. They added that a reformed sector is expected to support industrial growth, agricultural expansion, and broader economic resilience by providing a more stable platform for investment.
Energy authorities in Zambia emphasised that the work is far from complete, noting that the grant marks only one phase of a longer effort to stabilise and expand the sector. They pointed out that additional resources will be required in the coming years to support grid upgrades, renewable-energy projects, and reforms of commercial operations within power institutions. Officials added that the government remains committed to engaging with development partners as long as the reforms continue to yield improvements in transparency and operational efficiency.
Police in Eastern Province have detained a man in Chasefu district following the death of his four-year-old daughter in circumstances authorities described as deeply concerning. According to preliminary briefings, officers responded to a report indicating that the child had died at home after an altercation in which the father was alleged to have been involved. Investigators have taken statements from witnesses and family members as part of their efforts to establish the sequence of events that led to the child’s death.
Law enforcement officials said the father, who was taken into custody shortly after the incident, has been cooperating with police inquiries. Officers indicated that early accounts suggested the man may have acted under what he claimed were unusual personal or spiritual beliefs, but authorities stressed that such assertions do not alter the legal obligations surrounding the protection of minors. The matter is being handled by experienced investigators with support from child protection units to ensure that all relevant factors are examined thoroughly.
Police briefings indicated that neighbours alerted authorities when they became aware of distress within the household. By the time officers arrived, the child was unresponsive, and efforts to secure medical assistance could not change the outcome. Officers then initiated standard procedures, securing the scene and transferring the father into custody for questioning. The child’s body was later transported to a medical facility where further examinations will assist investigators in determining the precise cause of death.
Authorities noted that forensic specialists have been assigned to the matter and will provide assessments to guide decisions on potential charges. They emphasised that while the suspect remains in custody, investigations are ongoing and conclusions will only be drawn once all professional evaluations have been completed. Police also confirmed that counsellors have been made available to extended family members who have been affected by the incident.
Community leaders in the area expressed shock at the development, describing the death as a tragic moment for the district and calling for patience as law enforcement continues its work. They appealed for calm and encouraged residents to avoid speculation that might complicate the investigative process. Several local representatives emphasised the importance of strengthening awareness around child welfare and reporting early warning signs when households display signs of distress or instability.
In their update, police underscored that Zambia’s laws place strong emphasis on the safety and dignity of children, and that all allegations involving minors require prompt and thorough handling. They stated that the incident in Chasefu reinforces the need for communities to remain vigilant and to work closely with authorities when dealing with households experiencing conflict or unusual behaviour by guardians. Officers reiterated that prompt reporting can often prevent harm and allow support services to intervene where necessary.
The case has been transferred to higher-level officers within the region to ensure that procedural standards are upheld and that all required documentation is completed meticulously. Authorities confirmed that the suspect will remain in lawful custody while investigators continue collecting evidence. Police further explained that updates will be provided once findings from medical examinations and forensic analyses have been consolidated.
Officials noted that cases involving the death of a child carry significant legal weight and require careful coordination between investigators, prosecutors, and social welfare professionals. They said recommendations on charges will be made once the investigative file is complete and has been reviewed by the National Prosecution Authority. Until then, authorities have urged the public to respect due process and allow the justice system to address the matter in accordance with established law.
The child’s death has resurfaced discussions around mental health support, community surveillance, and the need for early interventions when guardians exhibit behaviour that may endanger minors. Social service groups in the region stated that although many communities rely on traditional support systems, there is an increasing need for structured professional services to assist families under strain.
As police continue their investigation, the incident remains a point of deep concern locally, with officials emphasising that safeguarding children is a collective responsibility involving households, communities, and state institutions. They reiterated that the findings of the investigation will guide the next steps and determine the legal course that will follow.
Zesco Invests $30m in Fresh Solar Generation Capacity
Zesco has commissioned a 35-megawatt solar power plant in Chibombo, marking one of the state utility’s notable steps toward broadening Zambia’s energy mix through renewable sources, including solar. The project, valued at about 30 million dollars, was announced during a ceremony attended by senior government officials, representatives from the utility, and stakeholders in the energy sector. The new installation is expected to contribute additional capacity to the national grid whose performance has faced criticism in recent years due to persistent load-management measures driven by reduced hydropower generation.
According to Zesco’s leadership, the facility was conceived as part of a wider programme to improve security of electricity supply by gradually reducing the country’s heavy dependency on hydropower. They explained that inconsistent water levels, increasingly linked to climatic variations, have undermined generation reliability. Under these circumstances, solar investments are seen as an important means to stabilise output and diversify production across renewable platforms, with solar being a key focus. The Chibombo project therefore forms a significant component within a cluster of renewable initiatives Zesco intends to roll out over the medium term.
During the commissioning, officials noted that preparations for the plant began several years earlier, but financial closure and construction were achieved more recently following adjustments to internal planning. They stressed that the project is not intended to function in isolation but rather to complement the utility’s existing transmission network and planned infrastructure developments. The addition of 35 megawatts will not entirely eliminate pressure on the grid, they acknowledged, but will improve Zesco’s ability to balance supply, especially during daylight hours when solar output peaks and solar generation is at its highest.
The event also highlighted ongoing work on a 330-kilovolt transmission line running between Choma and Kafue West. This separate undertaking, estimated at 100 million dollars, is designed to strengthen power flows between southern and central regions of the country and create a more resilient distribution backbone. Officials noted that pairing generation expansion with transmission upgrades is necessary to ensure new production does not become constrained by limited evacuation capacity. They added that the two projects reflect the utility’s commitment to pursuing a modern, flexible grid that can support economic growth while meeting rising household demand.
Government representatives at the launch characterised the solar plant as a practical response to Zambia’s broader energy challenges. They referenced the country’s vulnerability to hydrological shocks, pointing to recent droughts that have led to electricity deficits and forced load-management across multiple sectors. They argued that diversifying the energy mix is key to insulating the economy from such shocks and improving stability for industry, agriculture, and social services. The officials also stated that the project aligns with Zambia’s commitments to adopt greener energy systems and gradually transition away from carbon-intensive generation methods.
The new solar facility was built with technology sourced from established international suppliers, and Zesco engineers underscored the attention given to efficiency standards and long-term maintainability. They explained that the plant includes monitoring systems that allow real-time performance tracking and support preventative maintenance schedules. The utility expects the installation to operate at high availability levels and contribute consistently to daily supply, particularly in periods when hydropower generation is constrained.
In remarks delivered at the ceremony, Zesco noted that further solar capacity is under evaluation. The utility is studying opportunities to scale up renewable generation in other provinces, taking into account land availability, grid access, and regional demand patterns. In addition to solar, there are plans to explore small-scale hydro and wind options where technical assessments indicate viable potential. The officials added that models for public-private cooperation are being considered to accelerate delivery while managing the financial burden on the utility’s balance sheet.
Stakeholders present at the launch emphasised that while 35 megawatts may appear modest relative to national peak demand, the significance lies in demonstrating that solar can be integrated at scale within Zambia’s grid. They argued that incremental additions, deployed steadily across the country, could collectively contribute meaningful volumes and reduce exposure to water-dependent assets. For local communities, the project is also expected to stimulate employment around operational and maintenance services, and create opportunities for auxiliary industries that support renewable energy works.
Although the plant will not fully resolve Zambia’s energy supply concerns, officials reiterated that it represents a purposeful shift in strategy. They noted that solar generation avoids fuel imports, shortens construction timelines, and reduces environmental impacts. The commissioning of the Chibombo facility therefore reflects Zesco’s intent to build a more diverse and climate-resilient electricity system while setting the foundation for future projects as funding and technical capacity expand.
Make It Law, and Explain Later – Bill 7 Depends on a Report No One Is Allowed to See
Testimony before a Parliamentary Select Committee examining Bill 7 has renewed questions about the legality, transparency, and structural implications of the proposed constitutional amendments after senior officials from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) revealed that the Executive holds full custody of the delimitation report that informs the Bill’s most contested provisions.
The exchange unfolded when Hon Garry Nkombo pressed the Commission to state when the public would be informed about which constituencies are due for delimitation. The question is central to the Bill 7 controversy because constituency boundaries directly shape political representation, the distribution of power in Parliament, and the weight of the vote in future elections.
In response, the ECZ confirmed that a national consultation exercise undertaken in 2019 produced a full delimitation report which was initially submitted to the Executive and was later revised and resubmitted. According to the Commission, the document that determines the number and configuration of constituencies is now entirely in the hands of the Executive and cannot be made public unless the Executive authorises its release.
The Commission added that once a constitutional amendment is enacted, its responsibility would be limited to publishing a statutory instrument detailing the final boundaries based on decisions already taken. This means the defining phase of delimitation, including which constituencies may be divided or merged, is shielded from public exposure until after the Bill becomes law.
The admission sharpened concerns that Bill 7 risks placing decisive electoral architecture under the influence of the Executive rather than an independent body operating under open procedures. Critics argue that delimitation should precede any lawmaking in order to allow for public scrutiny, stakeholder engagement, and transparent justification for boundary changes. Instead, the committee learned that the determinative process was completed internally and remains confidential.
Legal scholars have stated in earlier commentary that Bill 7 faces existing procedural challenges even before its substantive content is considered. Under Article 79 of the Constitution and relevant Standing Orders, constitutional amendments must follow a defined sequence of public participation, parliamentary debate, and transparent committee review. Opponents say the Bill did not meet these standards following the previous decision by the House not to proceed with a similar amendment in the same session. They argue that the attempt to reintroduce the Bill contravenes the rule preventing repetition of a rejected constitutional amendment.
The latest testimony adds another layer by indicating that the substantive content of the Bill draws from a report that the public, civil society, and even many MPs have not seen. Without access to the data and analysis underpinning the delimitation exercise, stakeholders cannot evaluate whether the proposed increase in constituencies is justified, whether population thresholds have been applied consistently, or whether the changes risk creating imbalances in representation.
Concern also arises from the sequence described to the committee. The ECZ suggested that its role activates only after constitutional amendment, not before. This structure effectively allows the Executive to propose a constitutional change anchored in a report it alone controls, then task the Commission with formalising that outcome through a statutory instrument. Parliamentary oversight is weakened if lawmakers cannot access the foundational report before voting on the amendment.
Civil society groups have previously warned that delimitation exercises should be public from start to finish, with clear demographic data, open hearings, and a published rationale for any boundary adjustments. The absence of such visibility in the process described to the committee has revived fears that Bill 7 consolidates power rather than distributing it.
The committee is expected to continue receiving submissions, but the nature of the testimony has increased pressure on the Executive to release the delimitation report and explain the methodology used. Parliamentary sources say members want clarity on whether the changes recommended by the Commission align with national demographic trends or whether alterations risk favouring specific political outcomes.
The debate surrounding Bill 7 continues to widen as lawmakers, legal experts, and civic organisations assess the implications of a reform package shaped by information that remains outside public reach.
Below is the recording from The Selct Committeee
( Honorable Nkombo Chairman, I see that the Commission, good morning and welcome, um, supports the clause for delimitation of constituencies. I would like to find out, Chair, at what stage the Commission is going to communicate to the nation which constituencies will be due for delimitation. Thank you, Honorable Nkombo.
Witness, please take note. Thank you, Honorable Nkombo Chairperson. At this stage, I seek your indulgence to invite my colleagues to respond to some of the clarifications.
I’ll speak to the first question in terms of where Honorable Nkombo sought clarity from the Commission as to when the Commission will indicate to the people of Zambia which constituencies are earmarked for delimitation. Honorable Chairperson, your committee may wish to note that following the public consultation exercise that the Commission, the Electoral Commission of Zambia undertook in 2019, a report was prepared and that report was submitted to the Executive. It is that report, Honorable Chairperson, that has since been revised to, and again submitted to the Executive to inform the number that is indicated in the bill.
Honorable Chairperson, once the Electoral Commission of Zambia submits that report, or such a report to the Executive, it is no longer in the hands of the Commission to release that report to the public. It is with the Executive. So where the Commission stands is now to await for the amendment of the Constitution and once the implementation, the actual implementation of the new constituencies is done, indicate so the new boundaries of the constituencies in a statutory instrument and thereby inform the public of which constituencies have since been established following the amendment to the Constitution.
