Despite its abundant natural resources, Zambia is currently facing a critical electricity crisis, marked by unprecedented blackouts impacting communities nationwide. Many areas experience power outages lasting up to three consecutive days, and residents consider themselves fortunate if they receive electricity for just an hour or two daily.
This situation has taken many Zambians by surprise, as approximately 43% are connected to the electrical grid, and they have become accustomed to a reliable power supply. The crisis has been exacerbated by one of the worst droughts in decades, attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has drastically reduced the country’s power generation capacity.
Zambia generates approximately 84% of its electricity from hydroelectric sources, particularly from lakes and rivers, while only 13% derives from coal. Contributions from solar, diesel, and heavy fuel oil are minimal, comprising about 3%.
The situation worsened when the Maamba Energy coal-fired power plant operated below full capacity due to routine maintenance. However, in a recent development, the Energy Minister announced that the plant is now fully operational, promising at least three hours of electricity daily for Zambians.
The government has described the drought as a national disaster, significantly impacting power supply from the Kariba Dam, which is crucial to the country’s energy infrastructure. Currently, only one of six turbines at the Kariba North Bank Power Station is functioning due to critically low water levels, allowing for a mere 7% of the installed capacity of 1,080 MW.
Engineers have noted unprecedented low water levels at the dam, which has impacted businesses and daily life. Many companies have reduced operating hours, leading to layoffs, while bakeries struggle to keep running due to the high costs of generator fuel. Reports indicate that some kidney patients face severe challenges, needing dialysis but often only receiving power sporadically.
Efforts have been made to help alleviate the crisis, including the installation of generators in markets and hospitals. However, the broader population is feeling the pinch, with families navigating constraints on food and water supply. Many have turned to alternative cooking methods, including portable gas stoves and even charcoal, despite associated environmental concerns.
The electricity crisis has affected more than household power supply; it has disrupted water accessibility due to dependency on electric borehole pumps, raising sanitation concerns. Amidst rising frustration over governmental handling of the crisis, there are calls for better planning and diversified energy sources.
In response, the national utility is focusing on developing additional energy sources, including solar power, to diminish reliance on hydroelectricity. Future projects also include the construction of a second coal-fired power plant to safeguard against similar disruptions. As Zambia navigates these challenges, the emphasis remains on stabilizing energy supply to restore normalcy for all citizens.
