Government has revealed that about US$ 195 million has been spent in connecting districts in North Western Province to the national electricity grid.
Minister of Energy, David Mabumba disclosed this in an interview with The Lusaka Star, stating that the ministry, through Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) has connected 10 out of 11 districts to the national grid in the province.
Mr. Mabumba said the people of North Western province should support the power utility company for undertaking the huge project to electrify the region.
He revealed that over 30, 000 customers have been connected to the national grid from the previous 12, 000 which has changed the social economic status of the people in the province.
The Minister applauded ZESCO management in North Western Province for the manner in which they have executed the project.
“Government is impressed with the provincial leadership in ZESCO that has managed to implement such a huge project with 95 percent works completed.”
“It is hoped that by June 2017, all the districts in the province will be connected to the national grid,” he stated.
Hon. Mabumba explained that the connecting of North Western Province districts to the national electricity grid is targeted at fostering development in the region.
And as such, implored District Commissioners in the province to take keen interest in initiatives that will foster development in the area following the electrification of the districts.
He further urged District Commissioners to take a leading role in encouraging people to pursue avenues that will develop the province, taking advantage of the steady power supply.
The minister noted that it is unfortunate that between 1979 and 2012, there has been no investment in power generation and distribution despite the continued increase in population which raised the demand for electricity in the country.