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BUSINESS FOCUS WITH BALEWA ZYUULU
In the heart of Chief Shakumbila’s chiefdom lies Keezwa Village, a community on the verge of transformation in Mumbwa District, Central Province. For Eric Mac’wana Kakulubelwa, a teacher and enterprising barber, the completion of the Kweezwa Grid Development Project by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) was more than just the arrival of electricity, but the beginning of a brighter future for his family and the entire village.
Kakulubelwa has been a beacon of hope in Keezwa Village, balancing his duties as an educator with his role as a small business owner. His barbershop, powered by a noisy and fuel-guzzling generator, stands as the only one in the area. This modest establishment had become a vital service for the community, but the challenges of maintaining it were mounting.
“The cost of fuel is high and fluctuates often, making it difficult to sustain the business,” explains Kakulubelwa. “Running a generator is not only expensive but also unreliable. There are days when the generator breaks down, and I am unable to serve my customers.”
Despite these obstacles, Kalubelwa’s entrepreneurial spirit remains unbroken. The prospect of the village being connected to the national grid by REA has ignited his ambitions. With stable and affordable electricity, he envisions transforming his barbershop into a full-fledged salon.
“Once we have electricity, I plan to expand my business,” he says with a smile. “I want to offer more services, like hairdressing and beauty treatments, which are currently not available in the village. This will not only improve my income but also provide employment opportunities for others in the community.”
The Kweezwa Grid Development Project is part of a broader initiative by the REA to bring electricity to rural and underserved areas in Zambia. By extending the power grid to Keezwa Village, REA aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and spur economic development.
Electricity in the village will mean more than just lights in homes and classrooms. It will power essential services and create new opportunities for local businesses. For entrepreneurs like Kakulubelwa, it is a chance to innovate and grow. For the community, it promises improved access to information, education, and healthcare.
“The arrival of electricity will be a game-changer for us,” says local resident, Maria Chibesa. “We will be able to keep our food fresh in refrigerators, our children will have better lighting to study at night, and we can start new businesses that were previously impossible without power.”
Kakulubelwa’s optimism is shared by many in Kweezwa Village, who look forward to the myriad benefits that electricity will bring. As a teacher, he also anticipates better learning conditions for his students, with the potential for digital education tools and resources becoming accessible.
In a region where development often feels slow, the Keezwa Grid Development Project represents a significant leap forward. It is a reminder that with infrastructure and support, rural communities can thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth.
According to Kakulubelwa, the electrification of Kweezwa Village is not just about convenience—it’s about transforming dreams into reality.
And speaking to the team from Rural Electrification Authority led by Executive Officer Engineer Linus Chanda, Senior Chief Shakumbila expressed his enthusiasm about the project’s potential to drive substantial economic development.
“The arrival of electricity is a game-changer for our community,” he said. “It will catalyze economic activity, opening doors for businesses and entrepreneurs alike.”
According to the traditional leader Local businesses, which have long struggled with the high costs and unpredictability of diesel generators, stand to benefit immensely from the consistent and affordable power supply. “Electricity would reduce our operational costs and allow us to operate more efficiently.”
“This is particularly exciting for our youth and women, who will now have the opportunity to start and grow their own ventures,” Chief Shakumbila noted. He emphasized that the availability of power will foster innovation and create jobs in various sectors, including technology, agribusiness, and services.
He was of the view that the impact of the electrification project will extend beyond businesses.
“Schools will benefit from improved learning environments, with access to digital resources and extended study hours enhancing the quality of education. In healthcare, clinics will be able to operate advanced medical equipment, ensure proper refrigeration for vaccines, and provide better lighting for medical procedures, leading to improved health outcomes.” He said.
Senior Chief Shakumbila announced plans to open a restaurant once the area is connected to the grid. “I am eager to contribute to our local economy and provide a space where our community can come together to enjoy good food and company,” he said. “This restaurant will not only create jobs but also celebrate our traditions and culinary excellence.”
Chief Shakumbila stated, “This project is the spark that will ignite the engine of growth in our chiefdom. We are ready to embrace the opportunities brought by reliable electricity.”
The much-anticipated Kweezwa Grid Development Project in Mumbwa District, Central Province, is on track to be finalized and commissioned by June this year, according to the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Linus Chanda. The project, valued at over K15 million, is set to bring transformative changes to the area.
Speaking to journalists after an inspection of the project site, Engineer Chanda provided updates on the project’s progress. “Despite our initial target for completion in February, we encountered delays due to the late delivery of five generators,” he explained. “However, we anticipate these generators will arrive before the end of this month, allowing us to meet our revised timeline.”
The Kweezwa Grid Development Project aims to provide electricity to over 200 households and various essential facilities, including schools and clinics. Engineer Chanda emphasized the project’s significance, noting, “Once operational, this project will not only power homes but also vital community services, enhancing the quality of life and fostering economic growth in the region.”
Meanwhile Mumbwa District Commissioner Namukolo Hanyumbu appealed for an extension of the project to encompass other areas lacking electricity access.
“To address energy disparities and promote inclusive development across our district, it’s crucial that this initiative extends beyond its current scope. Expanding the grid will ensure that more communities can benefit from reliable electricity, driving further progress and equity,” she stated.
The Rural Electrification Authority’s commitment to completing the Kweezwa Grid Development Project underscores a broader strategy to enhance infrastructure and improve living standards in rural areas. As the project nears completion, the community eagerly anticipates the transformative impact of reliable electricity on education, healthcare, and economic activities.
The Author is an Economist and a multiple International Award winning journalist.
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