Will the 270MW thermal plant in Mukuni Village benefit local residents?

By Charity Kampinda

 As construction progresses on the 270-megawatt thermal power plant in Chief Mukuni’s area of Kazangula District, Southern Province, attention is turning to the project’s potential to address long-standing electricity challenges especially for local residents.

 Some residents and stakeholders, however, remain cautious, drawing parallels to some similar projects such as Chisamba solar project were a similarly ambitious initiative that ultimately failed to alleviate local power shortages after the revelations that the main off takers were mining sector rather than households.

Zambia has grappled with severe power deficits in recent years, with load shedding disrupting homes, businesses, and public services across the nation. In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), former Mukuni Village Headman Edward Muyanje expressed optimism about the plant’s impact.

 “In Zambia, we have a shortage of power supply, so I think it will be mainly for Zambia. We don’t expect anyone to complain about not having power,” Muyanje stated, though he acknowledged the absence of a confirmed commissioning date, with operations anticipated to begin next year. Muyanje also pointed to expectations on job creation as a major benefit for Mukuni and surrounding villages. “Our children are expected to be getting jobs.”

Despite these positives, some stakeholders are wary, citing the Chisamba solar project as a cautionary tale. While that project promised to improve electricity access for local residents, its output was primarily directed to industrial users, leaving many households with continued shortages.

 Residents are now calling for transparency and assurances that the Mukuni thermal power plant will prioritize domestic consumption.

The community is hopeful that the Mukuni thermal power plant will not only boost the reliability and availability of electricity but also drive improvements in local infrastructure and enhance livelihoods in the region.The power generated is expected to primarily support domestic consumption, directly addressing concerns around supply reliability

By Charity Kampinda  As construction progresses on the

Strait of Hormuz – How its shipping blockade affect your pockets in Zambia

By Carol Sichone

The continued disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes has kept global markets on edge, even as oil prices show a slight pullback.

 Brent crude, which had surged above $110 per barrel at the height of tensions between the United States and Iran, has since eased to around $95–$100 per barrel, largely due to earlier expectations that a ceasefire would allow partial resumption of oil flows. However, with the ceasefire now withdrawn and shipping through the Strait still restricted, analysts warn that the relief may prove temporary.

 For Zambia, the implications remain significant.

 Economist Ceasar Cheelo warns that the country is highly exposed to external shocks, with the impact likely to be felt first through fuel, followed by fertilizer, and ultimately food prices.

“In plain terms, Zambia is highly exposed through fuel first, fertilizer second, and food third,” he said, in an interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT, noting that a prolonged disruption would raise import costs, tighten supply, and quickly feed into inflationary pressures and exchange rate depreciation.

 A recent study by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy suggests that import-dependent economies like Zambia could be highly vulnerable, with risks spilling over into fuel prices, fertilizer costs, and ultimately food security.

 According to Cheelo, diesel-intensive sectors such as mining and transport are expected to feel the immediate impact, while small-scale farmers could face rising fertilizer costs and limited access to inputs in the coming months.

 Urban households, particularly low-income consumers, are also likely to experience the effects through rising pump prices and subsequent increases in staple food costs such as mealie meal.

 The situation highlights the vulnerability of import-dependent economies to global supply chain shocks. Higher oil prices increase transportation and production costs, particularly for fertilizers most of which Zambia imports raising the cost of farming, threatening crop yields, and ultimately driving food prices upward.This creates a ripple effect from global oil markets to local food security.

 Cheelo, emphasized that the policy response must be “multifaceted, targeted, and time-bound,” including securing fuel for essential sectors, managing extreme price spikes where fiscally possible, early procurement of fertilizer, and careful management of maize stocks to stabilize the domestic market.

While the easing in oil prices may offer temporary relief, the continued uncertainty surrounding the Strait signals that global energy markets, and economies like Zambia remain highly vulnerable.

By Carol Sichone The continued disruption of the

Uno Energy fined over oil contamination

By Charity Kampinda

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has imposed a K180,000 fine on Uno Energies Zambia Ltd for fuel contamination and failure to conduct mandatory quality checks.

 ERB has confirmed that it has taken enforcement action against several companies, including Uno Energies Zambia and ZESCO, and Harvest Group of Companies, among others for breaching license conditions and failing to fulfill their statutory obligations.

 Speaking to the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Energy expert Chris Mapulanga, expressed deep concern over Uno Energies Zambia’s failure to conduct mandatory quality checks, which reportedly led to fuel contamination. “It’s a deep concern as an energy enthusiast about reports regarding Uno Energy Zambia’s failure to conduct mandatory checks, leading to fuel contamination,” Mapulanga stated.

 He explained that contaminated fuel can cause serious engine damage to vehicles and machinery, resulting in costly repairs for consumers and businesses. In addition to financial burdens, such incidents may create safety hazards and raise significant environmental and public health concerns.

“ Such oversights not only jeopardize the safety of consumers but also pose significant risks to the environment and public health,” Mapulanga warned.

He called on regulatory authorities to enforce stricter compliance standards across all energy companies by conducting regular audits and unannounced inspections.

 Mapulanga also emphasized the need for fuel companies to invest in staff training, reinforce routine quality checks, and foster a culture of accountability and transparency.

 “Transparency in operations and prompt communication with the public regarding safety measures can help rebuild trust and ensure consumer safety,” he said. Uno Energy fined over oil contamination

By Charity Kampinda The Energy Regulation Board (ERB)