Current power deficit has potential to undermine development – Wina

Vice President Inonge Wina has observed that the current power deficit in the country has the potential to undermine government efforts to eradicate poverty and promote economic stability for sustainable development.

Speaking when she met visiting United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark, Ms. Wina says Zambia’s climate sensitive sectors such as energy, food security, water among others have already been affected by climate change variation, stating that the country is now experiencing the worst energy crisis in its history.

Ms. Wina however says government is working on a coherent long term national energy strategy to address the issue.
She adds that to enhance national response to climate change, government is taking all necessary steps to mitigate projected hazards and disasters.

Ms Wina says government also wants to partner with UNDP in resource mobilization in order to address the challenges that come with climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The Vice President has further thanked UNDP for the support in the country’s climate change response.

And the UNDP Administrator says she is confident the country will find ways of ensuring the Zambian people have the electricity they need.

She further states that UNDP is happy to work closely with Zambia as implementing partners in addressing climate change.

And speaking at the same occasion, Energy Minister Christopher Yaluma says the energy crisis caught the country unaware having been so much dependent on hydro power.

Mr Yaluma says the situation is an eye opener for the country not to be dependent on hydro power.