The generation of electricity has drastically reduced at Lunzua Hydro Power Station in Mpulungu District of Northern Province from 14.8 Megawatts to 3 Megawatts.

Speaking during a stakeholder’s engagement held in Mpulungu, Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao said the government is concerned with the current situation at the power plant.

Mr Mbao noted that there is an urgent need to address the situation.

He said that the drastic reduction of power generation is worrying as it has affected various sectors of the economy in the region.

The Provincial Minister said it is unfortunate that despite the area being endowed with massive water bodies, the situation has persisted from the time the power plant was commissioned in 2015.

Mr Mbao has since called on Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO Limited) to find a lasting solution to the problem.

And ZESCO Limited Deputy Director for Power Generation, Royd Chijikwa attributed the reduction in power generation to the low flow of water from the Lunzua stream.

Mr  Chijikwa noted that the power station cannot operate at full capacity as a result of  the low water levels

He added that during this period of the year, a number of power plants in the country reduce generation of power due to low water levels.

Mr Chijikwa was however quick to disclose that the power utility company is doing everything possible to improve the generation capacity at Lunzua Hydro Power Station.

He added that the power utility company will also take advantage of various streams in the area to rectify the situation.

Speaking earlier, Water Resources and Management Authority –WARMA Catchment Manager, Mwiza Muzumara said the adverse effects of climate change has contributed to reduced water levels across the region.

Engineer Muzumara has since called on various stakeholders to get involved in the fight against climate change to heighten mitigation.

Green Mbozi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, is urging farmers who won’t be beneficiaries of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) in the 2023/24 season to seize the opportunity provided by the government’s new credit window. This initiative aims to empower farmers and enhance agricultural production across Zambia.

Mr. Mbozi disclosed that the government will soon announce the financial institutions where farmers can access this new credit service. The move is intended to support those farmers who may not qualify for FISP assistance.

Recognizing that FISP had been plagued by issues of misallocation and irregularities in the past, Mr. Mbozi called upon the Office of District Commissioners to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture in ensuring that inputs are allocated to deserving beneficiaries, thereby promoting transparency and fairness in the distribution process.

Mr. Mbozi made these remarks during a visit to Kalulushi, where he led a delegation of experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Ministry of Agriculture officials, and collaborating partners. The purpose of the visit was to pay a courtesy call on Kalulushi District Commissioner, Kelly Jibinga.

District Commissioner Jibinga shared positive news, confirming that Kalulushi District had received a full consignment of D’Compound fertilizer, along with 18,000 of the 23,540 x 50 kg bags of Urea allocated for the region.

Mr. Jibinga expressed his gratitude to JICA for its contributions toward improving the livelihoods of the Zambian people, underscoring the importance of such partnerships in advancing agricultural development and food security.

The visiting delegation’s presence in the Copperbelt region is to gain a firsthand understanding of the development efforts being undertaken by the government and JICA through the Smallholder Horticultural Empowerment Programme. This collaborative endeavor aims to enhance the agricultural landscape in Zambia and uplift the lives of small-scale farmers across the country.

Zambia is on the brink of signing a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the restructuring of its debt with official creditors. Finance Minister Situmbeo Musokotwane has revealed in Marrakech, Morocco that significant progress has been made, marking a key milestone in securing the next tranche of funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Dr. Musokotwane, while speaking to Reuters during a visit to Marrakech, expressed optimism regarding the MOU’s imminent signing. He confirmed that the negotiations between Zambia and its official creditors have advanced to a stage where the agreement is close to being finalized.

“The MOU will hopefully be signed next week, as we are in the final stages of reaching an agreement,” Dr. Musokotwane informed reporters after participating in panel discussions.

Zambia reached an agreement in June to restructure a substantial $6.3 billion debt owed to foreign governments, including China and members of the Paris Club of creditor nations. To formalize this significant debt deal, Zambia must sign an MOU with its official creditors.

This development is seen as a significant step in Zambia’s efforts to stabilize its fiscal situation and chart a sustainable path for its economic recovery. The debt restructuring agreement is expected to provide much-needed financial relief to the country, helping it address the economic challenges it has faced in recent years.

By securing this MOU, Zambia positions itself to receive critical support from the International Monetary Fund, which is a key player in the country’s efforts to restore its economic stability and ensure a more prosperous future.