Zambia Government Tackles Solar, Agriculture, and Economy
In a recent interview on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) TV1, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, addressed a range of critical issues affecting Zambia. From solar energy initiatives to agriculture and the national economy, his statements provided insights into government measures aimed at improving the lives of Zambians. Below are the key highlights from the interview.
Solar Equipment Accessibility in Zambia
The government has taken steps to make solar equipment more affordable for Zambians by zero-rating solar imports. However, Minister Mweetwa highlighted that the exorbitant prices set by some solar dealers have made it difficult for ordinary citizens to benefit from these renewable energy solutions. In response, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry has begun engaging with solar dealers to ensure that solar products are accessible at fair prices.
Agricultural Measures and FISP Implementation
Regarding agriculture, Minister Mweetwa noted that Zambians are praying for good rainfall this season. The government has implemented both short- and long-term measures to support the agricultural sector, including the promotion of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). Over 98% of farming inputs have already been delivered to over one million farmers on time. Despite challenges related to the realignment of the national budget, the government has ensured timely payments to farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
Electricity Supply and Load Shedding in Zambia
On the electricity deficit, Minister Mweetwa discussed the government’s efforts to address load shedding, which is more severe in Lusaka due to higher power consumption compared to other districts like Kabwe and Chipata. The government, through ZESCO and the Energy Regulation Board, is working on strategies to address the energy deficit while ensuring equitable power tariffs for different areas.
Economic Growth and the Mining Sector
Minister Mweetwa highlighted positive developments in Zambia’s mining sector. With Mopani’s production capacity up by 37%, the sector’s contribution to the national budget is expected to increase to 72% by 2025. Other mining developments include a 22% increase in production at Kansanshi Mine and a 6% increase at Lumwana Mine. Furthermore, the dewatering of the 28 shaft at Luanshya is progressing ahead of schedule. These improvements contribute significantly to Zambia’s economic recovery and growth.
Governance and Constitutional Amendments
On governance, Minister Mweetwa emphasized that the government has no intention of arresting former President Edgar Lungu, provided he complies with the law. The government is also working with Members of Parliament to address constitutional ambiguities and prevent unnecessary by-elections. If any constitutional amendments are proposed, the Zambian public will be consulted to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
For further details on the government’s ongoing efforts to address Zambia’s energy, agriculture, and economic challenges.
Empty Talk
You’ve been addressing the power deficit for over 2 yrs now
You mention Kabwe ?? reports from there are shocking with some areas out for 5 days now
— and how long has the drought been in effect?
Many people in Zambia, know the names of birds, but they do not know their value. And that by itself is a limitation. As a nation we must operate beyond the names of things and that way, we shall develop our nation in a way that we will cherry her as our nation.
Such ghostly talk can only be carried by DEADNBC.
Until 2026 New dawn will continue giving false
Hope to zambians.Nothing seems to be working.Even in rainy season we can’t get power for two hours?
Regarding the power outages……..
The resident LTzens should be demanding a commission of enquiry as to why………
Regardless of the drought effects,……….
Billions was continuously spent on hydropower. ????……
Disregarding common sense, which actually warned drought induced load shedding…….
FWD2031
A colossal injustice was done to Zambia by previous governments…………
That injustice boarders on economic sabotage by a collective of previous governments……..
One wonders if we have active policy formulations that are reactive and dynamic, or we just rely on written policy without looking at situations at present………..
There is no way any normal policy would allow continuous building hydro power and predicting end of power outages , without……..
Taking into account drought induced load shedding……., totally reckless and incompetent on part of policy development
FWD2031
Expert at always passing the buck
We have been going down hill slowly since Independence
We all had hope in 2021 but that has long passed
With all the issues our president still doesnt the need to explain the state of the Nation
Quite frankly I dont expect anything now except hard times till
2026 when hopefully we will have a more responsible GRZ
Spaka.,it’s high time you check yourself. You are losing you mind. Carry out some test. Your hallucinations are deeper than I thought
Matero Boy
What part of blame for load shedding is this GRZ Responsibility ?
Redo
You see nothing wrong with building hydro dams with the current climate ??? You are thick
Tikki
2031 is a long way , find another hobby
Even this current GRZ was too busy in opposition to say with hydro we are putting our eggs in one basket will put us in trouble
At least we have freedom in the bus stations and markets it’s a relief of fresh air no more those unrecognized commanders who were brutal to us for simply wearing a red shirt.
The cadres are at the stations causing havoc, I had an encounter with one at the 10 Miles bust station, very disheartening
Peace maker, the truth is that, I have never harassed at the startion from the time I has born in 80s. And I have never heard any passenger who has been harassed. So what freedom are you talking about
All this was just to talk about our loved former President Lungu these guys have failed to run the country and busy talking a man who demonstrated democracy and handed them instruments of power and they have been clueless
What democracy did Lungu demonstrate??
He wanted to refuse to step down but was only convinced by RB after signing a tight deal regarding his immunity
FWD2031
None of the three have been tackled effectively. We have no solar energy, no maize in agriculture and the economy is in shambles.
Tell people to work hard!! HH can not feed everyone. People must work hard to develop Zambia, HH and you can only make policies and nothing else. Be frank!
That’s true James.. the economy has collapsed. There nothing HH can do but just to make policies. People just need to work hard. There is nothing this govt can do in this collapsed economy
People should even be thankful for having for at least 3hrs.. Forward
Redo
Only in your mind has the economy collapsed…….
People are still working and moving on
FWD2031
You are quite right working hard is the only solution
but bear in mind the lies or atleast the untruths we being told is distracting to say the least
with the country in a mess our minds are also distracted
Inflation is a global problem……
Nearly every country is suffering…..
And not much anyone can do about rains
FWD2031
,#Spaka before your village mate became president inflation was not global…. you refused to accept this explanation or excuse…. now it’s global.. how convenient
In Dubai it doesn’t rain, maybe we should all shift there.
Zambians deserve the leaders they choose period!
The leaders they are forced to choose?