Private Observer

REA URGED TO CONNECT MORE HOUSES AS DEMANDS FOR POWER RISES IN MWANSABOMBWE.

Samuel Mbewe

Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda speaking people in Luapula Province has urged the Rural Electrification Authority to prioritize the electrification of more houses and other infrastructure in Mwansabombwe district where there is a rise in demand for power.

The Traditional leader says the district has seen a rise in demand for power among the settlers following the piloting of the electrification project of thatched houses by the authority.

He said the electrification project of thatched houses has given an opportunity to the people in the area to engage in various economic activities and pupils can study at night.

The Traditional Leader was speaking today when the Rural Electrification Authority Board and Management paid a courtesy call on him at his palace.

And REA Chief Executive Officer Linus Chanda has called on the traditional leader to work with the authority in implementing the electrification project which is benefitting people in the district.

Meanwhile, REA Board Chairperson Likonge Mulenga thanked the traditional leader for his continued support to REA projects and assured him that the authority will look into his request.

And speaking when she led board members on a tour of the Kabamba Solar Mini Grid in Serenje, Ms. Mulenga said the Authority has been directed to ensure that more connections are made in the next one month to the Kabamba Solar Mini Grid in Serenje district.

Ms Mulenga said the board is not pleased that the Solar plant, which is currently generating 30 kilowatts, has only connected a kilowatt load to the community since it was constructed a year ago.

The REA Board Chairperson said under normal circumstances about 50 houses should have been connected.

And REA Chief Executive Officer Linus Chanda said his management team will review the situation and ensure that measures are put in place to increase connections in the area.

Meanwhile, Acting Serenje District Commissioner Kennedy Pezo appealed to REA to ensure that the stalled Chipota Solar Mini Grid is completed. https://www.shout-zambia.com/rea-urged-to-connect-more-houses-as-demands-for-power-rises-in-mwansabombwe/