Kampyongo Backs Motion for Mining Companies to Generate 50% of Their Power Needs
Lusaka, 18th October 2024
Shiwang’andu Member of Parliament Hon. Stephen Kampyongo, MP, has thrown his weight behind a motion in Parliament aimed at compelling large-scale mining companies to generate at least 50% of their own power needs. The motion, brought forward by Hon. Christopher Kang’ombe, MP for Kamfinsa, is seen as a crucial step to ensuring the continuity of mining operations, which are vital to Zambia’s economy.
During the debate, Hon. Kampyongo highlighted the importance of innovative solutions to address the ongoing energy crisis, which has negatively impacted the country’s industrial and mining sectors. He pointed out that the idea of companies generating their own electricity is not far removed from previous government pronouncements encouraging individuals to install solar panels to contribute to the national grid.
“Madam Speaker, what this motion is teaching us is that mining companies should utilize our country’s resources, like uranium, to invest in reactors and other renewable energy solutions to meet at least half of their consumption needs,” Hon. Kampyongo said.
He added that such measures would alleviate the burden on ZESCO, allowing the national power utility to focus on supplying power to underserved rural areas.
Hon. Kampyongo drew comparisons to past energy initiatives, referencing the now-defunct nuclear endurance program and the production efforts of Maamba Collieries.
He noted that the current energy crisis, exacerbated by climate change and worsening weather patterns, demands bold, forward-thinking strategies.
“Madam Speaker, this crisis is not new, but it has escalated to a point where we must act decisively. The mining sector cannot continue to depend solely on ZESCO for power when we have alternative options that can be explored,” he said, citing examples of companies burning through thousands of liters of diesel daily to run generators, further straining their operations.
The former Home Affairs Minister also dismissed arguments against the motion as shortsighted, asserting that it was in line with the government’s own push for renewable energy solutions. He emphasized the need for the government to provide a clear policy framework that would enable mining companies to take on the responsibility of generating their own power without going through ZESCO.
“The motion, Madam Speaker, is about offering progressive solutions. It’s not just about Christopher Kang’ombe; it’s for the entire nation,” he stressed. “People are suffering, companies are shutting down, and workers are losing jobs due to power shortages. We have a collective responsibility to support ideas that will see us through this crisis.”
The lawmaker also casted out the Members who thought this motion was meant to satisfy the opposition stating that “yes you can question because you don’t know own that people out there are suffering” he reminded them that not all Zambians can afford to buy solar energy.
In his closing remarks, Kampyongo urged the government and Parliament to embrace the motion, cautioning that failure to adopt such innovative solutions would lead to further economic hardships.