Milenge District Commissioner Kayula Mulenga says the district is set to receive its first-ever solar power plant with capacity to generate over 20 megawatts.

This follows the allocation of over K10 million under the Constituency Development Funds (CDF).

ZANIS reports that Mr Mulenga notes that the solar power plant in the district aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s policy direction of decentralizing power generation through constituency-based solar projects.

He said the project is expected to expand electricity generation, stabilise power supply, and promote energy independence at constituency level.

The District Commissioner disclosed that the procurement process has already commenced, with both local and international contractors participating in the bidding.

“Bidding has started, and once the procurement process is concluded, installation of the solar panels will commence, because the site for the plant has already been identified.” Mr Mulenga said.

He further observed that once operational, the solar project will help provide a reliable local energy source to support households, small businesses, public institutions and community development programmes within the district.

Mr Mulenga added that increased investment in solar energy will further boost power generation beyond 5,000 megawatts, reduce reliance on imported electricity and position Zambia to meet local demand and export surplus power.

“Zambia’s effective electricity capacity currently stands at between 2,000 and 2,500 megawatts, which is insufficient to meet the country’s growing energy demands; however, with this initiative, power supply will be expanded,” Mr Mulenga noted.