ZESCO ENDS 2024 IN DARKNESS AND EMPTY PROMISES
By Staff Reporter
ZESCO Limited’s end-of-year statement paints a picture of progress, but for most Zambians, 2024 has been another year of broken promises, chronic load-shedding, and a utility company seemingly incapable of meeting the country’s energy needs. While ZESCO blames the prolonged drought for the ongoing crisis, critics argue that poor planning and mismanagement are the real culprits.
Engineer Elijah Chisanga, ZESCO’s Acting Managing Director, highlighted the challenges in the utility’s statement: “The 2023/2024 drought has significantly hampered hydropower generation, forcing us to rely on imports and alternative solutions. We remain committed to stabilizing power supply and transitioning to renewable energy.” However, many Zambians see this as yet another excuse for a recurring problem.
To mitigate the crisis, ZESCO imported power from Mozambique, South Africa, and the Southern African Power Pool, which accounted for 50% of the national supply in the last quarter. However, these imports have been inconsistent, plagued by transmission faults and high costs. The burden has fallen on businesses and households, with SMEs particularly struggling to cope. “Our profits have disappeared because of ZESCO’s failures,” said a frustrated Lusaka shop owner.
ZESCO’s renewable energy initiatives, including net metering and solar mini-grids, have been touted as solutions but remain inaccessible to most Zambians. The high upfront costs and limited reach of these programs have made them largely ineffective. “These so-called renewable solutions are just talk. Rural areas are still in darkness,” said a civil society activist.
Vandalism, frequently blamed by ZESCO for power outages and financial losses, is another point of contention. While the utility reported over 1,200 incidents in November alone, critics argue that this is a symptom of broader operational failures, including poor community engagement and infrastructure maintenance.
Meanwhile, ZESCO continues to promote long-term infrastructure projects, such as the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector and the Kalungwishi Hydropower Project. Yet, with completion timelines stretching to 2028, these projects provide little relief for the immediate crisis. Zambians are tired of grand announcements with no tangible results.
As the country looks to 2025, Chisanga promises significant improvements: “We are accelerating renewable energy projects, combating vandalism, and upgrading critical infrastructure to secure Zambia’s energy future.” However, his assurances have done little to quell public skepticism.
For now, the reality for most Zambians remains one of darkness and frustration. Until ZESCO confronts its systemic failures head-on, the dream of a reliable energy supply will remain out of reach for millions.
KUMWESU DEC 30, 2024
ZESCO ENDS 2024 IN DARKNESS AND EMPTY PROMISES
