THE Rural Electrification Authority (REA) says it has invested over K167 million in rural electrification projects across Northern Province between 2023 and 2026.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Acting Provincial Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri, REA Chief Executive Officer Alex Mbumba said the investment covers 17 grid development projects, three solar mini-grids, three biodigester projects, and eight solar-for-health installations.
In a statement by the REA Provincial Administration Public Relations Unit, 10 grid development projects had already been completed and commissioned in several districts.
“The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has invested more than K167 million in rural electrification projects across Northern Province between 2023 and 2026, reaffirming its commitment to increasing electricity access and driving socio-economic development in rural communities. Speaking during a courtesy call on Acting Provincial Permanent Secretary Ms Beauty Undi-Phiri, REA Chief Executive Officer Eng Alex Mbumba said the investment covers 17 grid development projects, three solar mini-grids, three biodigester projects, and eight solar-for-health installations aimed at improving access to reliable electricity for households, schools, health facilities and traditional leaders,” the statement read.
“Eng Mbumba said 10 grid development projects have already been completed and technically commissioned in several districts, while two more projects are expected to be completed this year and four additional projects will commence next year. ‘REA is working closely with government, ZESCO and cooperating partners to accelerate electricity access in rural areas and ensure that communities in Northern Province benefit from the ongoing subsidy programmes and infrastructure investments,’ said Eng. Mbumba”.
Mumba said the electrification programme is expected to benefit more than 24,755 people.
“He stated that so far, ten grid development projects have been completed and technically commissioned in districts such as Nsama, Mbala, Luwingu, Kasama, Lunte, Mpulungu, Kaputa and Senga Hill. The electrification programme is expected to benefit more than 24,755 people through 4,951 new electricity connections, including 18 schools, six rural health centres, one district hospital, eight public institutions and five traditional palaces. He added that under the National Energy Advancement and Transformation (NEAT) Programme, REA and ZESCO had verified 1,438 new electricity connections in Northern Province by May 2026, while a further 369 connections were achieved through the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) Programme,” the statement read.
“Eng Mbumba also highlighted REA’s progress in renewable energy, noting that three solar mini-grid projects have been completed and commissioned at a cost exceeding K27.5 million, alongside solar installations at eight rural health facilities and the successful commissioning of a biodigester project at Mungwi Boys’ Provincial STEM Secondary School”.
Meanwhile, Phiri said the connections would transform livelihoods and unlock economic opportunities in the province.
“Meanwhile, Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri described the electrification of Mukupa Katandula in Kaputa District as a landmark achievement that will transform livelihoods and unlock economic opportunities in the province. She commended REA for overcoming logistical challenges to deliver electricity to one of the province’s most difficult-to-reach areas, noting that the project will benefit surrounding communities beyond electrifying the chief’s palace. Ms Undi-Phiri further said Northern Province has significant potential for power generation due to its abundant water resources and waterfalls, adding that the government’s target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity, coupled with investment in renewable energy, will strengthen Zambia’s energy security and support economic growth,” read the statement.
