Mwaanga calls for lasting solution to energy deficit
OVER-dependency on hydro power is no longer a viable or realistic option in the 21st century and we should plan outside the box and come up with a viable and workable options for the future, veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga has observed.
Commenting on Zambia’s current electricity deficit, Dr. Mwaanga said yesterday that other than investing in other sources of energy, the country must now think about speeding up the unbundling of Zesco so that power generation was separated from supply like what other countries had done.
“It is a sign that energy is in very short supply everywhere and answers have not been easy to come by. In the case of Zambia, we have been talking about the problem of energy deficit for many years and we seem to agree that renewable energy is the answer, either from solar, garbage waste or other forms,” he said.
“Unfortunately, talking alone without taking practical steps is not enough. We are fortune that some of our progressive and foresighted companies like Maamba Coal Mine, Ndola Energy Company and Dangote, to mention only some, have been involved in generation production, which has supplemented Zesco’s efforts,” said Mr Mwaanga.
He also said there was need to provide incentives to companies that were willing to invest in the energy sector to avert the problem.
“We must deliberately do more to attract investment in the renewable energy sector. We have an abundance of sunshine most of the year, which can produce energy for our country in times like this.
“We should also speed up the issue of unbundling Zesco so that we separate generation from supplying like many countries have done. There may be need to provide incentives to local and foreign companies willing to invest in this sector up to a certain number of years,” he said.
He said Zesco had no choice, given this scenario, but to evenly and fairly load shed their customers in an effort to keep their homes lit and the wheels of industry turning but asked the power utility company to strictly adhere to its advertised schedules like Eskom does in South Africa.
“One thing that load shedding has taught us, is the need to save energy by not switching on electric appliances and lights we don’t need. This public education energy saving campaign must not only be taught to us when we ring Zesco Customer Care lines,” Mr Mwaanga said.
“This public awareness must become more widespread. I believe that this is the way forward for our country too,” he said.