DRY SPELL THREATENS ENERGY SUPPLY, WARNS NZOVU
GOVERNMENT fears that Zambia could be energy insecurity following the current drought which is also a threaten to the country’s food security.
Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu has expressed fear that the current drought was likely to lead to energy insecurity considering that there might be insufficient water levels to propel hydro power generation.
Mr Nzovu expressed concern about the anticipated negative impact of drought in the country.
He said this when senior officials held a meeting with eight Ambassadors from the European Union (EU), discussing issues common interest on climate change, environment and forestry.
“Therefore, we need energy efficiency to ensure that energy deficit is not severe,” Mr
Nzovu said.
He however reaffirmed the government’s commitment to encourage investment and
consumption of renewable energy.
Mr Nzovu during the meeting also informed the ambassadors that the drought might lead to crop failure and consequently food insecurity in the country.
During the meeting, he assured them that the government was doing everything possible to ensure that Zambians remained food secure.
He thanked the EU and its member states for their support in various sectors.
And EU Delegation Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA, Karolina Stasiak, said the meeting was a follow-up to the recent Zambia-EU Dialogue meeting.
Ms Stasiak said the meeting with the ministry was aimed at discussing climate change and environment, which is part of the common agenda between Zambia and the EU and its member states.