By Choolwe Kasamu
The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), working with the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees (COR) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), jointly launched an electrification project in the Meheba Refugee Settlement of Kalumbila District in the Northwestern Province. The project is in line with the government’s mission through the REA to electrify rural communities equitably and sustainably for positive socio-economic transformation.
The project, which will benefit refugees, former refugees, and the host community in Kalumbila district, was launched by Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Eng. Peter K. Kapala, who was represented by the Northwestern Province Permanent Secretary, Col Grandson Katambi 30th January, 2024.
“The launch of this electrification project in Meheba is part of the government’s comprehensive plan as contained in the National Refugee Policy and its implementation plan to ensure refugees, former refugees and the Zambian host community have access to services,” said Honourable Kapala.
The Government of Zambia confirmed its commitment towards the inclusion of forcibly displaced persons via 10 pledges at the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) held in Geneva, Switzerland, in December 2023. Providing sustainable energy to Zambian districts that host refugees and former refugees is a key element of the pledges. The electrification scheme fits into the government’s Modernisation of Refugee, Host Communities and Settlement Approach (MORHCSA).
Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary, Mr. Dickson Matembo, who was represented by Director Planning Mr. Goodson Sinyenga, said that in 2023, at the GRF, Government made a pledge to connect all three settlements to the national grid by 2027. “Today, we proudly announce that we are making strides towards fulfilling that commitment,” Mr. Matembo said.
“UNHCR, working with the government and our partners, has committed to support sustainable, clean energy in all areas hosting refugees and former refugees,” said UNHCR representative Ms Preeta Law. This is an important development for the province and particularly the communities in Kalumbila. Zambians, refugees and former refugees will enjoy electricity for the very first time since the establishment of this settlement in 1971.”
Once completed by 31July 2024, the project will enable the supply of electricity to Meheba A Primary and Secondary Schools, Meheba B Primary and Secondary Schools, Kananga Primary School, Kananga Rural Health Centre (RHC), Meheba A RHC, Meheba B RHC, Jagaimo RHC, Meheba Police, St. Mary’s Mission and surrounding areas. 40,510 residents, living in Kalumbila District will benefit from this joint venture.
REA has allocated K9.7 million towards electrifying the settlement whose construction commenced on 2nd November 2023. The REA part of the project includes 10.4 km of 33-kilo-volts high-tension line and 10.9 km of 0.4 kilo-volts low-tension line. In this partnership, UNHCR has allocated ZMW 6.3 million to the project providing an additional 17.8 km of 33 kilovolts of high-tension backbone line. REA is committed to providing technical assistance on the complementary scheme funded by UNHCR.
The project aims to establish 90 connections for government facilities and 210 connections for families. This will bring a total of 300 connections serving refugees, former refugees, and Zambian families living in the communities that host refugees.
This collaboration began on 24th June 2022, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between COR, REA and UNHCR. The three institutions agreed to collaborate and pool resources to provide electricity to hosting districts and refugee settlements in Zambia.