From PERPETUAL SICHIKWENKWE in New York –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has assured foreign investors and Zambians that the Government will continue working hard to find alternative sources of energy to ensure that the country’s industrial performance does not stop amidst the power deficit.

•PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu (right) talks to Chieftainess Mwenda (left) and Chief Mumena (centre) at Palace Hotel in New York before departure for Lusaka yesterday. Picture by SALIM HENRY/STATE HOUSE

Mr Lungu said when he addressed Zambians living in New York on Wednesday evening that the Government was working round-the-clock to address the issue of power shortages and that come next year, the country will have enough power even for export.
The President urged Zambians in the Diaspora not to be divided, but live in harmony and peace.
President Lungu said he was devoted to promoting an all-embracing culture unlike others that wanted to create divisions among Zambians.
Mr Lungu, who introduced Chief Mumena of the Kaonde people of North-Western Province and Chieftainess Mwenda of the Tonga people of Southern Province to the audience, said he was proud to have them in his midst.
“Whatever meaning one wants to attach to this visit (the visit with the traditional leaders), that is up to you. Fyenu ifyo,” Mr Lungu said.
Mr Lungu said that the chiefs were Zambia’s custodians of traditional legacy and leaving them out of the development agenda would be doing so at the country’s peril.
The President also held talks with Barrack Gold Corporation president Kelvin Dushnisky, where he stated that the effects of climate change had taught the Government a lesson not to entirely depend
on hydro energy but find alternative sources as well.
President Lungu was in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly 70th Anniversary (UNGA70).
He said the Government was working on modalities of exploring other sources of energy as a supplement in order to reduce dependence on one source of power.
“Right now as I am talking to you, people are working 24/7 in Maamba to ensure that we get 150 megawatts by January. Coming to June next year, we will get 300 megawatts from the thermal plant,” Mr Lungu said.
He said the mining industry was not at its best currently because of the dwindling prices of copper.
Mr Dushinisky, who was accompanied by Lumwana consultant Mike Regan, told the President that Lumwana appreciated the partnership with the Government from the time he took over the presidency.
Meanwhile, President Lungu has left New York for Zambia after attending the 70th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA70).
Mr Lungu left the New York Palace Hotel at 10:30 hours yesterday morning for the JFK International Airport and is expected home today.
He is accompanied by his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda.
Mr Lungu was seen off by Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Mwaba Kasese-Bota, Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States Palan Mulonda and other senior Government officials.