Lusaka ~ Wednesday, 7 December 2022
By Brightwell Chabusha
Veteran Politician Vernon J Mwaanga has said load-shedding is a necessary evil.
Mr Mwaanga said load-shedding can be done in an orderly manner by adhering to advertised load-shedding schedules.
He said this in a statement following a formal announcement from ZESCO.
The power utility company said due to the low level of water at Kariba Gorge, load-shedding will come into effect mid-December.
“This was after ZESCO had informed the citizens that Zambia had surplus power. They could not have foreseen what the rain pattern this year would be,” he said.
“Loadshedding can be done in an orderly manner by adhering to advertised load-shedding schedules, to enable citizens adjust their daily schedules to cope with ZESCO schedules.”
However, Mr Mwaanga wondered why the country has not invested in renewable energy after 58 years of independence.
“This raises big picture issues. After 58 years of independence, why have we not invested in renewable energy? We all know that dependence on hydro power in the 21st century, is risky and unreliable,” he said.
“There are a number of companies, here and abroad, who would be interested in investing in renewable energy projects in Zambia. This matter has become urgent.”