GOVERNMENT TAKES A LEADING ROLE IN THE USE OF SOLAR

The Government has directed all public institutions to fast-track the adoption and utilisation of alternative energy sources such as solar in response to the current power deficit the country is facing.

In a circular issued to all the heads of government departments, the Acting Secretary to Cabinet Dr Oliver Kalabo disclosed that Government observed that there was need for public institutions to embrace solar energy to allow for the smooth delivery of public services which have at times been disrupted due to power deficits instigated by the drought experienced in the country.

“Government has observed with concern that public institutions have been slow in adopting and utilizing alternative sources of energy such as solar energy technologies. Arising from this situation, public service delivery and operations have at times been disrupted due to power deficits currently experienced as a result of the drought situation the country has been experiencing.

“In view of this, all public institutions are hereby directed to ensure that solar power supply systems and other alternative energy sources such as inverters are installed and utilized to supply power in all public institutions,” the circular read.

Since the declaration of the drought as an emergency and national disaster by President Hakainde Hichilema in February this year, the country has recorded prolonged hours of power disruptions averaging at least eight hours every day.

Other short-term measures taken by government through the power utility (ZESCO) to mitigate the crisis include implementation of the eight (8) hour load management, importation of electricity and the exemption of sensitive and critical institutions that provide essential services to the people such as health facilities, water utilities, agricultural areas and security wings.

In the medium and long-term, Government will diversify the energy mix by promoting the use of alternative and renewable energy sources spearheaded by the development of solar power projects among others.

The desire for the government is to explore and harness these sources to reduce the country’s dependence on hydroelectric power and ensure a more reliable and sustainable energy supply.