Government has commissioned the Watopa Grid Intensification Project (GIP) in Kabompo District as part of efforts to accelerate electricity access and achieve universal electrification by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of Republican Vice-President Dr. Mutale W.K. Nalumango during the commissioning ceremony, Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma said Government was targeting over 115,000 new electricity connections this year alone as part of the national electrification drive.

“Government is firmly on course to achieve universal electricity access by the year 2030, with an ambitious national drive targeting over 115,000 new electricity connections this year alone,” Mr Lufuma said.

The project, implemented by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), has brought electricity to Kaluwawa Secondary School, Watopa and Kamisamba Rural Health Centres, the local market, Chief Kangombe’s Palace and surrounding communities.

Mr Lufuma said Government had also prioritised affordability by reducing electricity connection fees from K4,864 to K300 under the ongoing electrification programme.

“I want to invite more business houses, including households, to come forward and apply and take advantage of this gesture by your Government,” he said.

And REA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Alex Mbumba said the Authority had continued recording progress in implementing Government’s electrification agenda, with 151 out of 287 planned projects between 2023 and 2026 already completed.

The Watopa Grid Intensification Project, implemented at a cost of K5.3 million, includes more than two kilometres of 33KV power line crossing the Kabompo River and over 11 kilometres of distribution infrastructure, with over 200 households and businesses immediately eligible for connection.