By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has invested approximately 2.3 million Kwacha to connect the Lumwana East, Mukumbi turn-off community area of Solwezi West Constituency in Kalumbila to the National power grid.
The project, funded through the 2023 Constituency Development Fund (CDF), spans 4.2 kilometers and is nearing completion.
Kalumbila Town Council Chairperson Shadrick Munjunga, who monitored the project, confirmed that Lumwana East Primary School, Lumwana Rural Health Post, and surrounding areas will benefit from the electrification project.
Mr Munjunga said the development is a welcome relief for the community, which has long struggled with electricity challenges.
Lumwana East Health Centre Sister In Charge Vainess Mwale expressed gratitude to the government and REA, stating that the connection to the National power grid will greatly ease their work, particularly with the high volume of deliveries at the health facility.
Local businessman Jameson Soneka also appreciated the development, noting that the community has relied on a single generator set for power since independence.
Polo Technologies Limited Site Engineer Chama Chipasha revealed that the contractor was awarded in 2023, and works commenced in February 2024. The project is expected to be completed within six months, with 80% of the work already done.
