Zambia’s Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has officially transferred 85 completed grid extension projects valued at more than K463 million (approximately $25.9 million) to ZESCO Limited for operation and maintenance as part of efforts to expand electricity access across the country.
The projects are expected to support about 15,232 initial electricity connections in rural and underserved communities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Administration, Dr. Oliver Kalabo, who represented Secretary to the Cabinet Mr. Patrick Kangwa, said the projects reflect the government’s commitment to improving electricity access and driving socio-economic development.
According to Dr. Kalabo, the investments go beyond infrastructure development and are intended to improve livelihoods by supporting healthcare delivery, education, productive activities, and economic growth in rural communities.
REA Board Chairperson, Eng. Charles Mboma, stated that the infrastructure will now become part of ZESCO’s operational asset base to ensure sustainable management and long-term service delivery.
He noted that the projects are expected to unlock economic opportunities, improve public services, and enhance productivity in beneficiary communities.
ZESCO Director of Projects and Planning, Eng. Francis Namakanda, who represented Managing Director Eng. Justin Loongo, described the handover as a demonstration of effective collaboration between state institutions in extending electricity services to more communities.
He assured that ZESCO would integrate the infrastructure into the national grid network and continue providing safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity supply.
Eng. Namakanda also urged communities to protect the infrastructure from vandalism and illegal electricity connections.