Govt. promoting the use of electric vehicles…

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has disclosed that government spent about 758 million United States dollars on fuel in public institutions last year Speaking during the Senior Public Service Management Meeting in Lusaka, Mr Kangwa added that wider adoption of electric vehicles could significantly reduce expenditure on imported fuel. Meanwhile, Mr Kangwa said government has recorded significant progress in the energy sector through reforms, infrastructure development and investments aimed at increasing electricity generation and improving energy security in the country. He said government has introduced investor-friendly policies, streamlined licensing procedures and enhanced transparency in the sector, which have attracted both local and foreign investment.

Mr Kangwa stressed that government’s target is to increase electricity generation capacity from the current 3,000 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts by 2030 as directed by President Hakainde Hichilema. “Major achievements include the commissioning of the 750-megawatt Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station, the construction of the 300-megawatt Maamba Coal Power Plant and the launch of several solar energy projects across the country,” he said. Mr Kangwa added that the Chisamba Solar Plant, Itimpi Solar Power Station in Kitwe and the Kanona Solar PV Project are among initiatives helping to diversify Zambia’s energy mix and reduce dependence on hydropower.

He said government is also expanding electricity access in rural areas through the Rural Electrification Programme and strengthening regional power connectivity through various interconnector projects. Mr Kangwa further disclosed that Cabinet has approved the construction of two major petroleum pipelines aimed at transforming Zambia into a regional hub for refined petroleum and natural gas. He has since called on all stakeholders to support government efforts aimed at building a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive energy sector.