PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has officially commissioned the 50-megawatt Mabumba Solar Plant in Chief Mabumba’s area of Mansa, a project expected to benefit more than 20,000 households and boost economic activity in the province.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President HICHILEMA noted that since independence, the area had largely relied on the 10MW Musonda Falls hydropower station, which fell far short of meeting the growing electricity demand estimated at around 30MW.
He said previous administrations failed to prioritize energy diversification and economic expansion, stressing that his government has taken deliberate steps to reform the energy sector and diversify the country’s power sources.
The President said the reforms undertaken by his administration are already yielding results, commending ZESCO Limited for successfully delivering the project, as well as the Energy Regulation Board for providing effective oversight and leadership.
“Development starts with a vision, followed by planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Nothing happens by chance,” President HICHILEMA said.
He highlighted that the project created jobs during the construction phase and will continue to provide permanent employment opportunities, while also supporting key sectors such as mining in Luapula Province.
President HICHILEMA emphasized that meaningful development requires consistent planning and execution, adding that the newly commissioned solar plant will also support events such as the Luapula Expo and stimulate industrial growth in the region.
He called on citizens to work together and avoid reverting to past leadership which, he said, failed to deliver sustainable development for the country.
The Head of State further stressed the importance of unity in driving national development, noting that government is working to improve power transmission infrastructure, including the 132KV line from Kasama to Mansa and the 130KV line from Pensulo to Mansa.
President Hichilema also commended Chief Mabumba for collaborating with government on development initiatives, as well as the organizing team behind the Luapula Expo.
He said more still needs to be done to develop the country and urged citizens to safeguard national assets, warning against vandalism which undermines development efforts.
The President also congratulated the newly elected United Party for National Development (UPND) Luapula Provincial Committee following the successful holding of the party’s General Assembly.
(C) UPND Media Team
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA COMMISSIONS 50MW MABUMBA SOLAR PLANT IN MANSA.
