A hailstorm has destroyed Zesco Limited power installations in Kabwe district, Central Province, leaving some residential areas without electricity and water.

Central Province Permanent Secretary, Milner Mwanakampwe, said at a media briefing in Kabwe that the heavy rains, which were experienced on Saturday, left a trail of destruction to households and institutional property.

Dr Mwanakampwe said a number of power transmission lines in Chimanimani, Pollen, Ngungu and Mukobeko areas were damaged, with some houses and churches equally having their roofs blown-off.

“I can confirm that most of Zesco poles and installations were affected by the storm, resulting in some areas not having both electricity and water,” he said.

Dr Mwanakampwe said the power utility company, Zesco, is working round the clock to restore power in all affected areas.

He noted that the power problem has also affected the Lukanga Water Supply and Sanitation Company.

He said some residential areas such as Mpima and Mine Township have not had water for two days due to the destruction of electrical installations.

Dr Mwanakampwe, however, assured the residents of Kabwe that Zesco and Lukanga Water Supply and Sanitation Company were working hard to restore electricity and water supply in the district.

Meanwhile, Dr Mwanakampwe has said the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), under the Office of the Vice-President, was compiling data on the extent of the damage and that a comprehensive statement will be issued on the matter soon.

Dr Mwanakampwe has since urged affected members of the public, whose houses were damaged, to report to the DMMU for possible assistance.