THE PLATFORM

  Load shedding hits the manufacturing sector in Zambia. Jan11 th 2023. By Raphael Banda The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has noted   the efforts that the Government is putting in place to mitigate the challenges associated with load shedding in the country. In the statement, the association observed that hydro remains the main source of energy in Zambia contributing about 81.5% to the total national installed electricity capacity as of 2021. However, the Association expressed concern with the inconsistencies in the communication regarding the number of hours of load shedding and adherence thereto Load shedding came into effect on 3rd January 2023 . “ On 8th January 2023, another statement was issued announcing a reduction in the power outage period from 12 hours to 6 hours effect 9th January 2023.Despite this split in the power outage period, the effect on the sector is still immense. Load shedding has increased production costs for most manufacturers in form o

 January 8th 2023. Information Source: Clarence Moonde Muzyamba-ZEHEST Executive Director With only 8 days in the new year 2023,ZESCO has introduced  12 hours of loadshedding which is  being implemented since 1st January,2023.   According to Government,this is happening because water levels have gone down at KARIBA dam where power is generated. People have reacted differently. The new dawn , whilst in opposition then,did promise that once they are voted into office,they will end loadshedding, infact they actually said "Loadshedding will be a thing of the past. Are we in  the past?is the question many Zambians are asking. As  Zambian Empowerment hub for Entrepreneurship and Skills training (ZEHEST)and as Entrepreneurs, ours is to find and provide solutions. So we took to the streets of Lusaka and visited a number of communities to check on how people but more so small medium enterprises (SME,s) have been affected by this Loadshedding. What we found is a sorry sight as we found bloc