POWER PROJECT TO BRIGHTEN UP MATANDA
By PRINCE CHIBAWAH GOVERNMENT says it will electrify Matanda Chiefdom in Mansa to boost economic activities in the area.
Mansa District Commissioner James Nyenjele told the Daily Nation that the project would cost K7 million.
“Government is implementing a people-driven developmental agenda. We are not imposing things on the people but instead they are telling us which development they want and when,” he said.
Mr Nyenjele explained that the people of Matanda, including the traditional leadership had been demanding for electricity for some years.
“As a listening Government we have decided to honour the wish of the people to connect Matanda to the national grid.”
Mr Nyenjele said the project would start soon and was expected to cover 54km.
“Schools, health facilities and other public institutions are expected to be powered.”
He said Chief Matanda’s palace would also be electrified.
“Once completed, we expect the project to impact positively on the local economy. Matanda has potential in agriculture and mining. So under agriculture, the project will complement the efforts of farmers in terms of irrigation. “And because of power, there will be large scale mining taking place in Matanda.”
Mr Nyenjele said the people of Matanda were happy with the project.
“This is a massive gift, it’s a blessing to the local people because having power has always been their dream,” said Mr Nyenjele.