In a groundbreaking development, ZESCO, Zambia’s leading power company, has officially connected the Lundazi and Chama Districts of the Eastern Province to the national grid. This historic achievement comes 59 years after Zambia’s independence, signalling a new chapter of growth and opportunity for these regions.
With 325km of the 132kV transmission line now in place, this project, which resumed in 2022 under the guidance of the ZESCO Corporate Leadership Team, marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s energy landscape. Residents of Lundazi and Chama can now look forward to a future of enhanced economic prospects and stability, particularly in key sectors like agriculture and commerce, which have long been hampered by unreliable power sources. This move aligns perfectly with the Zambian government’s ambitious aim to increase nationwide access to electricity.
According to a report by Mining Review, Zambia is on a mission to achieve universal electricity access by 2030. Current statistics from the United States Agency for International Development indicate an average national electricity access rate of 31%, with urban areas significantly more electrified (67%) compared to rural regions (4%). The successful energization of the Lundazi and Chama districts represents a significant leap towards this national goal.
The Chama-Lundazi electrification project, completed at an impressive cost of $20 million—well below the initial estimate of $54 million—stands as a testament to ZESCO’s commitment to delivering infrastructure projects that are not only cost-effective and timely but also of high quality. This fiscal prudence was achieved by utilizing internal resources for the execution of the project.
In their media release, ZESCO highlighted the importance of community involvement in protecting this vital infrastructure. The company called upon its customers and the public to play an active role in ensuring the reliability and longevity of the power supply in these newly electrified districts.
Furthermore, ZESCO reaffirmed its dedication to powering Zambia’s retail and industrial sectors, emphasizing its role in improving the lives of its citizens through sustainable energy solutions. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by ZESCO to expand its service delivery and contribute to Zambia’s socio-economic development.
The electrification of Lundazi and Chama is more than just an infrastructure achievement; it represents a significant step forward in bridging the rural-urban divide in terms of access to electricity. It opens up a realm of possibilities for local businesses and communities, facilitating not only economic activities but also improving the quality of life through better access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.
As Zambia strides towards its goal of universal electricity access, projects like the Chama-Lundazi electrification serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the country. They demonstrate the potential of well-planned and executed infrastructure projects to catalyse economic growth and social development.
This landmark project by ZESCO is a clear indication of Zambia’s commitment to sustainable development and its efforts to ensure that the benefits of electricity reach all corners of the nation.
