Reduced load shedding shrinks Charcoal sales

Some Lusaka Charcoal Traders have lamented the negative impact the reduction in load shedding hours by ZESCO has had on their business.

The traders talked to by QFM have disclosed that since the power utility company reduced the hours of load shedding to four hours per day, their business has been affected as people are not buying charcoal at the rate they used to before.

Gift Kabwela, a Charcoal Trade at Lusaka’s Kabwata Market says the only thing that is pushing the business forward is the weather as people have no option but to buy charcoal for their braziers.

And Margret Mumba says she is now contemplating changing her business as the charcoal business has is becoming slow.

Amos Mapulanga, a trader from Garden Compound says he is afraid that once ZESCO further reduces the hours of load shedding, his business will shake.

He says loadshedding has been a blessing in disguise on his business.

Chanda Mumba, also a charcoal trader of Garden Compound says the demand for charcoal partially depends on load shedding as people tend to buy more charcoal when they do not have electricity.

And Goretty Chishimba of Kalingalinga Market says it is common knowledge that the reduction in load shedding has resulted in less consumption of charcoal by customers.