LUAMPA- Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding equitable access to electricity following the commissioning of the Nalwei/Lui Grid Extension Project in Luampa District.
Speaking during the commissioning, Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, said the project marks a significant milestone in government’s efforts to improve rural electrification and drive inclusive development across the country.
Mr Chikote said since 2021, government has taken deliberate steps to address imbalances in electricity access, increasing rural electrification rates from 8 percent to 34 percent.
He noted that Western Province alone has seen the completion of 12 grid extension projects between 2023 and 2025 through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), with more projects underway. He added that government is adopting a diversified approach by combining grid extension with off-grid solutions such as solar mini-grids to ensure no community is left behind.
The Minister emphasised that the Nalwei/Lui project is part of a broader strategy to bring electricity closer to homes, institutions and businesses, thereby enhancing service delivery and stimulating local economic growth.
He further highlighted government’s efforts to make electricity more accessible through initiatives such as the National Energy Advancement and Transformation (NEAT) and the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Transformation (ASCENT) programme, under which connection fees have been reduced from K4,860 to K300.
Meanwhile, REA has invested K15 million in the project aimed at improving service delivery and boosting economic activities in the region.
REA Chief Executive Officer, Alex Mbumba, said the cost of the project covers the construction of transmission lines as well as the electrification of public institutions and households. He noted that the project is strategic as it targets key facilities such as schools and health centres, while also extending power to surrounding communities using both on-grid and off-grid solutions.
Mr Mbumba urged communities to take advantage of the reduced electricity connection fees by applying to ZESCO, adding that the project is expected to improve service delivery in education and health sectors, while also supporting the growth of small-scale businesses.
He called on residents to safeguard the infrastructure against theft and vandalism and announced that REA plans to roll out the fourth phase of the project in 2026 targeting the Nalwei area. He also commended the contractor for completing the works ahead of schedule and thanked traditional leaders for their support.
Traditional leaders in the area also commended Government for taking electricity to their communities, describing the project as a long-awaited development that will transform livelihoods and improve access to essential services.
In a vote of thanks, District Education Board Secretary, Sandala Makumbu, commended Government through REA for prioritising the provision of electricity to schools. He said access to electricity will enhance education standards and support the effective operation of boarding schools.
Mr Makumbu added that the electrification programme will help reduce teacher transfer requests, noting that many educators have been seeking relocation to other districts due to lack of electricity in rural areas.