POWER DEFICIT, HUNGER WATER CRISIS LOOMING, PARLEY HEARS
SHOULD the dry spell which some parts of the country was experiencing continue, there may be load shedding, hunger and water crisis, Mr Collins Nzovu the Minister of Green Economy and Environment has warned.
Giving a ministerial statement in Parliament yesterday, Mr Nzovu said the country had experienced adverse climatic changes as a result of the El Nino which would impact negatively on food, water and electricity.
“The El Nino has persisted. This weather pattern poses risks to various sectors of our economy. We are working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and DMMU. The reduced rain will impact negatively on maize production.
The lower river sources for both domestic and irrigation. Power generation will reduce and there may be increased load shedding unless the situation improves,” Mr Nzovu
said.
He said pasture for animals would also be affected as well as bio-diversity and eco-system services and conservation of natural resources.
Mr Nzovu urged farmers to monitor weather updates regularly and report crop damage to authorities.
“Water users are urged to use water properly. Lessen electricity usage. Turn off lights and fans. Explore alternative sources such as solar, wind and bio-mass. Reduce the strain on the power grid,” he said.
He urged the nation to unite and face the looming power shortages and hunger head on without blaming anyone because it was a natural catastrophy.
And responding to Mr Davies Chisopa, the PF Mkushi South MP on what Government will do to protect small businesses such as welders and barbershops as a result of load shedding, Mr Nzovu said plans were already in place to look for power from neighbouring countries.