By Namusokwe Bwembya
Zambia has not been spared from the harsh effects of climate change which has affected many countries in the region. While this has affected nearly all sectors of the economy, the energy sector remains the worst hit resulting in extended load shedding.
This is because the power generation which is largely produced through hydro- electricity was affected after some parts of the country experienced droughts. Water levels on these water bodies became too low to support the generation of electricity. Zesco, the power utility, has since been forced to shut down some turbines resulting in loadshedding countrywide.
It can therefore be said that climate change has not only affected ZESCO, but the entire country as many people including small and medium enterprises depends on electricity to conduct their day-to-day business activities.
People have been forced to use alternative power sources such as generators, solar energy including gas. And these people who use alternative power are able to navigate through the challenges even when others are experiencing challenges with power.
And this is exactly what is happening to Chaba area of Chilubi Mainland in Chilubi District, Northern Province where government through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) recently connected the area to power through the solar project.
For those who may not know Chilubi District, the area is divided into three parts namely mainland, island and swamps. The island though is entirely surrounded by water, Lake Bangweulu, it is connected to the national electricity grid. Power cables were connected to the island from Samfya through marine cables. The swamps are not connected to power but the mainland, which is the dry land, had remained without electricity connectivity until 2022 when REA constructed a 48.5 kWp solar mini grid. The project has enabled the area to be connected to power and the struggle of running operations with power is now gone. People have taken advantage of this to connect houses, and business premises.
The reporter who covered the launch of the project in 2022 decided to get back to the area to get views from some beneficiaries on the power project.
Chilubi District Commissioner Risto Mushembe said the provision of solar energy on the mainland has not only stimulated and increased productivity and growth of rural industrial enterprise but also raised the living standards of the people in Chaba.
Mr. Mushembe expressed happiness that the connection of power to the area has helped to create jobs for the youths as well as change the facelift of the district.
“In Katamba ward of Chaba alone, REA, connected power to over 285 households including social places.
The District commissioner narrated that youths in particular have ventured into various businesses such as saloons, barber shops and refrigeration business stating that this has helped uplift their lives.
Mirriam Kabwe, a civil servant testified that the coming of electricity to the area has brought massive changes as people are able to live a luxurious life like those in urban areas. She stated that she has now procured electrical appliances such as refrigerator and a television set.
Ms. Kabwe who could not hide her bliss said the connection of power to her house has enabled her to create another source of income as she is now able to make freezits and ice blocks which she sales to the community.
She disclosed that on a monthly basis she is able to make about K11,000 after paying her two employees adding that her income is hugely dependent on the seasons as there is higher demand in the hot season than in winter.
And Chaba being near the water body where she witnesses fish production, Ms. Kabwe expressed her interest in starting a fresh fish business to broaden her income base in the near future.
” I want to sincerely thank government through REA for bringing power to this area because it has positively contributed to staff retention in the area,” she narrated.
William Chanda, who deals with groceries and perishables, narrated that the connection of his business premises to power has boosted his monthly earnings.
Mr. Chanda explained that his income has since doubled from K4, 300 per month before he was connected to power to between K10, 600 and K13, 000 after receiving power.
He said in the past people in the area depended on generators to do their business making the cost of doing business high for small businesses to thrive.
Meanwhile, fishermen also echoed their appreciation to government that they no longer record losses because they are not in a hurry to sell their merchandise at low prices for fear that it might go to waste due to the availability of fridges in the area.
Martin Chabala disclosed that lake Bangweula is blessed with fish spices locally known as Imbowa which is expensive on the Copperbelt and Lusaka where it is in high demand either as refrigerated or smoked.
Mr. Chabala narrated that with the coming of power, fishermen are able to store their catch in fridges and sell when prices are favourable.
And Chilubi Member of Parliament, Mulenga Fube disclosed that the connection of electricity to the mainland is a great milestone to the people who have had no power since independence.
Mr. Fube expressed happiness that economic activities have continued to thrive on the mainland which has power 24/7.
He said health service delivery is also expected to be enhanced once Chaba District hospital is connected to power as patients will no longer be subjected to unnecessary referrals to other hospitals for specialized treatment because machinery will become operational.
The MP urged beneficiaries to continue engaging in productive usage of power to improve their wellbeing.
Meanwhile, REA Corporate Affairs Manager Justin Mukosa explained that the Chaba min grid which was commissioned in 2022 was put up at a cost of K 4.3 million while a further K6.6 million was spent for the distribution network.
Mr. Mukosa said the 48.3 kWp project is expected to spur social economic activities in the area through the connection of schools, health facilities, trading areas and households to the solar grid once fully operationalized.
He disclosed that REA will soon embark on the installation of smart meters after the approval of a tariff by the Energy Regulatory Body ERB using the Public Private Partnership (PPP) business model.
The Corporate Affairs Officer also indicated that the project is up and running and likely to expand the services to cater for other facilities which have come within the area.
Meanwhile, Chilubi Town Council Secretary Rapheal Phiri noted that while part of the district on the island has been enduring long hours of load shedding due to drought inflicted by low water levels at Lake Kariba, economic activities have continued this part of the district.
Mr. Phiri narrated that the connection of power to Chaba has contributed positively to the broadening of revenue base for the local authority through various levies from business houses at Chaba.
The council secretary has since encouraged the locals to venture into various businesses and ultimately reduced the cost of doing business
Indeed, electricity is one of the key drivers; therefore, the connection of Chaba to the solar mini-grid will continue to spur economic transformation of the area which had until 2022 depended on fuel-generated power or solar batteries to operate businesses.
ZANIS
