By JULIUS PHIRI –
A LUNDAZI business executive has said the connection of Lundazi and Chama districts to the national electricity grid is a great milestone for the businesses.
Evans Ngoma said yesterday that currently the two districts had witnessed unplanned load -shedding thereby paralysing the business because power was being supplied by the ESKOM of Malawi.
“I want to appreciate the effort our local electricity supply authority Zesco is making to ensure Lundazi and Chama districts are connected to the national electricity grid.
He said small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sectors such as those in the metal fabrication, confectionery and fresh food were largely affected as their business was solely dependent on the constant supply of electricity.
“You will realise that Lundazi is on a Malawian National electricity grid rather ZESCO imports the commodity from Malawi .What surprises the suspecting consumers is that of late there has been no notice each time supply is going to be interrupted, “he said.
Mr Ngoma appealed to Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo to meet up with his Malawian counterpart and establish the cause of the erratic supply of the commodity which was slowing down the wheels of economic development in one of the very productive districts in Zambia.
Recently, ZESCO announced that works for the construction of the powerline from Chipata to connect Chama and Lundazi districts to the national grid have started.
The 24-month power project will de-link Chama and Lundazi Districts from Malawi Eskom.