Expert Warns Diesel Generators may become White Elephant

Economic development advocate Henry Muleya has expressed concerns that the government's plan to install diesel generators in key markets across Lusaka may ultimately prove ineffective.

While welcoming the initiative, Mr. Muleya has questioned the choice of solution, citing operational challenges faced by local councils responsible for maintaining the markets.

"While the intention is good, the solution may not be sustainable. The fuel costs will be a significant burden, and I fear this initiative may soon turn into a white elephant." Mr. Muleya said.

Mr. Muleya has highlighted the councils' struggles with garbage collection, salary payments, and public toilet maintenance, raising doubts about their ability to manage the generators.

He has noted that each generator would require 50 liters of diesel per day, costing K1,500 (approximately $75 USD) and translating to K45,000 (approximately $2,250 USD) per market monthly.

Mr. Muleya has questioned who would bear the fuel costs, suggesting that if the council is expected to foot the bill, it may lead to another form of load shedding.

He has proposed an alternative solution, advocating for mini solar plants in each market, which would require a one-time expenditure from the central government, resolving power challenges without creating new problems.

Mr. Muleya's concerns highlight the need for a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to address the power challenges in markets, ensuring that the initiative benefits the intended beneficiaries without creating new problems.

Recently the Ministry of Energy announced the arrival of the first consignment of diesel generators aimed at stabilizing power supply in key markets across Lusaka.

Energy Permanent Secretary Peter Mumba said nine out of the 23 procured diesel generators have arrived in the country and will be installed this week at Chilenje, Nyumba Yanga, and Soweto markets.

Mr. Mumba has outlined the government’s plan to have all 23 generators installed by 30th September 2024, in an effort to mitigate the impact of ongoing power shortages.

He has stated that the country has secured an additional 50MW of emergency power from the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), supplementing the 168MW already being imported from Eskom in South Africa.

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