Ministry of Energy opens dialogue with citizens on Zambia’s energy sector

In response to the challenges facing the Zambian energy sector, the Ministry of Energy held a special meeting with citizen representatives, led by the FIX IT movement. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, and attended by key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Peter Phiri, the Managing Director of ZESCO, Victor Mapani, and officials from the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Minister Chikote stressed that President Hakainde Hichilema firmly believes in resolving issues through dialogue and this meeting is a testament to that belief. The government recognises the importance of seeking solutions from all stakeholders, including citizens, to support government efforts to address the current energy crisis.

One of the key points of discussion was the “Energy for Energy” campaign, which encourages citizens to participate in energy conservation efforts. The government believes that this campaign is crucial to more effectively manage the country’s energy resources during this challenging period.

Minister Chikote also acknowledged that there are concerns about inconsistent power cuts, especially in the big cities of Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe. He explained that despite Zambia Power’s efforts to achieve better dispatch management, various factors have hampered the effective implementation of power management.

During the meeting, FIX IT representative Nawa Sitali expressed his appreciation for the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue. He noted that FIX IT had cancelled nationwide protests to create an opportunity for constructive discussions with the Ministry of Energy and ZESCO.

Sitali also highlighted that ZESCO presented the current power situation in the country and outlined the measures taken to alleviate power shortages. ZESCO pledged to strengthen its communication strategy, promising to keep citizens informed through SMS alerts, social media updates and a dedicated customer service hotline.

The Government reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with citizens through consultative meetings and stressed its willingness to be accountable for the decisions it makes. The dialogue marks a positive step towards finding collaborative solutions to the challenges facing Zambia’s energy sector.