Government Intensifies Push for Energy Security as Choma Hosts $130 Million Power Projects

The government, through the Ministry of Energy, has stepped up national efforts to end the country’s energy crisis by investing in alternative power sources such as solar and thermal energy. Choma has emerged as the centre of this historic push toward energy sufficiency as government officials, engineers, traditional leaders and community members broke ground on two major projects valued at over $130 million.

Representing the Guest of Honour, ZESCO Board Chairperson Vickson Ncube, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Energy Hon. Makozo Chikote, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the 35MW Muzuma Solar Plant and the 330kV Kafue West–Muzuma Transmission Line.

Mr Ncube said the two projects demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to securing energy reliability, sufficiency and universal access for all Zambians.

Hon. Chikote, in his remarks delivered through Mr Ncube, acknowledged the hardship caused by recent power shortages but assured citizens that President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration is determined to make load-shedding “a thing of the past.”

The Minister highlighted the Presidential Community Initiative, which guarantees lasting benefits for every chiefdom that makes land available for national infrastructure development.

He emphasised that the solar plant and transmission line are not just engineering investments but powerful development catalysts that will empower hospitals, schools, farmers and small businesses across Southern Province and beyond.

ZESCO Managing Director Eng. Justin Loongo described the groundbreaking as a major turning point in ZESCO’s transformation from a traditional utility into a modern, diversified energy platform.

He explained that the 35MW Solar Plant, to be constructed in Munapuutu and Siamalambo villages under Chief Cooma, will cost $30 million and is expected to be completed within eight months.

Eng. Loongo further noted that the 330kV Kafue West–Muzuma Transmission Line, stretching 189 to 200 kilometres across eight chiefdoms, will cost approximately $100 million. The line will also support future large-scale energy projects, including the 600MW coal plant and the 300MW Maamba expansion.

He thanked traditional leaders for providing land and recognised key partners such as CNTIC, CEEC-NEPC II, and the main contractor CEEC-HEPDI for their critical roles in delivering the projects.

Project Director Mr Ge Wenbo of CEEC-HEPDI described the initiative as a “road to progress” anchored on high-quality engineering and strong collaboration between Zambian and Chinese teams. He highlighted the importance of local participation through employment, training, material sourcing and business opportunities for surrounding communities, noting that the project is expected to employ over 300 local people.

Meanwhile, Chief Cooma thanked President Hichilema for selecting his chiefdom as a site for national energy development. He said the new energy facility demonstrates the President’s commitment to addressing the country’s energy challenges and called on the contractor to prioritise the recruitment of local residents.