PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says load shedding has reduced because of the vision, planning and implementation of projects by the UPND government.

Meanwhile ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo says the launch of phase two of the Chisamba solar plant has made it the largest solar plant in the country.

Speaking during the launch of the Chisamba Phase Two 100 megawatts Solar plant, Tuesday, President Hichilema dispelled claims that load shedding had reduced due to the August polls.

“Let’s answer the question of load shedding. There are people who are claiming that load shedding has come down dramatically nearing zero because of the elections. That’s not true, the truth lies in here what we’re witnessing today. We’re generating more power to alleviate the load shedding, there’s an example here. Our competitors are making allegations that load shedding has gone down just because of elections. It’s not true, load shedding has gone down because of the vision, the planning, the implementation such as what we’re seeing in the Chisamba phase two solar[plant],” he said.

“These two (Mundubile, Makebi) were ministers in PF, one was minister in Eastern Province, the other in Northern. They’re saying things they want to do when they come in office. Why didn’t they do those things in the 10 years they were in office? Why didn’t they build solar here like we’ve done when they were in office for 10 years. When your friends have worked, appreciate rather than just talking every day. Just say ‘thank you’ to the government that’s delivering for the people of Zambia”.

President Hichilema assured that the target to achieve 10,000 megawatts by 2031 was in sight.

“The reason that we need to celebrate this development is clear that this government afflicted by the worst drought in living memory, not long ago we lost our generating capacity because it was largely hydro. But we mourned because we had load shedding, we mourned because we had to slow down in commerce and industry because of the absence of power. But today is a good day to celebrate that when we mourned, we flipped the coin and said ‘here is an opportunity for us to actually diversify our energy portfolio’. Today is that day where we confirm the decision we made then to take an opportunity to invest in solar and other energy sources,” President Hichilema said.

“So, it means that Chisamba alone is contributing towards our target of 1,000 megawatts of solar by the end of this year and more importantly contributing to our 10,000 megawatts of electricity in the country by 2031. It means Chisamba has given us 200 megawatts. The message here is that the vision of 10,000 megawatts overall with diversified mix is coming into play. Meaning it’s being realized and Chisamba is critical component of realizing this vision”.

And President Hichilema said leaders at all levels must have an understanding of what needs to be done.

“Let also make another point here, the lessons that we learnt as a country is that vision is important, leadership with vision is important. There’s no reason to mourn without facing the challenge. Mourn yes, but quickly find solutions that’s what this project is showing us. That the country needs clear vision and plan on how to actualise that vision and to implement that plan to a project such as this 100 megawatts [plus] 100 megawatts. Very important for the country to consider. Because if you’re just coping what UPND and HH is saying, you will fail to implement, now if the originators are not there, who will you copy from? So, it’s important that leaders at all levels political, business, projects must have a clear understanding of what needs to be done. In this case it’s clear that the vision of 10,000 megawatts will be realized we’re adding more, ” he said.

President Hichilema said ZESCO had passed the tests required in public procurement.

“Let’s do a test of what ZESCO has been able to do with its partner. Let’s ask ourselves three questions and we see the answer to those questions starting with the principles that this government has expulsed in public procurement. Number one, we ask the question was the price correct on this phase two Chisamba solar plant? The answer is yes. Phase one cost us $100 million which means one million dollars per megawatt. Phase two cost us $ 75 million which means $750 ,000 per megawatt,” said President Hichilema.

“So, the price is good. Next question quality in our procurement, so did ZESCO pass that test as well? We went in the control room and ZESCO was generating close to 900 megawatts just a few hours or minutes ago which is a reflection of the quality of the panels there. So, it means that ZESCO has passed that test on the quality of that project as well. The third question is that did ZESCO deliver this project in time? The first stage of 100 megawatts took ZESCO about 10 months. This project same 100 megawatts has taken ZESCO about seven months only. It has passed that test again on delivery on time. This is how we should work in our country”.

And Loongo said the Chisamba project would have a major impact on the citizens.

“Electricity landscape is changing worldwide; Zambia is no exception, that’s why investment such as Chisamba phase two is important, 100 megawatts in phase one and 100 megawatts in phase two brings the total to 200 megawatts making it the largest solar plant in the country. The impact that this project will have on people’s lives is huge, 1500 jobs were created benefiting locals. An indication that electricity creates more than power but supports businesses, contribute to national development and stimulate livelihoods,” said Loongo.