By HOPE BWALYA  –
SENIOR Chief Nsokolo of Mbala in Northern Province has said the Lunzua Hydro power station which was recently commissioned by President Edgar Lungu will reduce deforestation and improve people’s livelihood
The Chief has hailed Zesco for subsdising connection fees, a situation which will see users pay K150 per household instead of K2,500.
Chief Nsokolo said in a statement released by his personal assistant Jeff Kapembwa that the upgraded hydro power station would improve people’s livelihood and reduce deforestation.
“People will now be able to use electrical appliances, cut down on charcoal burning, thereby reduce on deforestation, while drugs which need refrigeration will now be stored in clinics outside Mbala Hospital,” he said.
The Chief said the improved power station would also elevate the education standards as learners are now able to study at night.
“Students can now study at night and thereby improving the standard of education, people in the area will now benefit from increased communication as it would make internet use much more available than before because of constant load shedding,” he stated.
He praised Government for commissioning the 14.7 mega watt Lunzua hydro power station.

. PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu during the tour and commissioning of the Lunzua Power Station in Mpulungu
yesterday. Picture by EDDIE MWANALEZA/STATE HOUSE

Last week, President Lungu commissioned Lunzua Hydro Power station Chief Nsokolo’s area in Mbala.
The power station was an upgrade from a 0.7 Megawatt station to a 14 Megawatt.
The Chief said the upgrade would reduce power shortages that the area used to face before it was upgraded.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Nsokolo has clarified that Chief Zombe was not a senior chief as he was always quoted in the media but a mere chief.