By Staff Reporter
Citizens First (CF) leader Harry Kalaba says if voted as President, he will re-engage the Russian government to activate a multi billion dollar 20,000 nuclear power project, positioning Zambia as the energy hub of Africa and use it to end years of blackout and economic paralysis.
And Kalaba said Zambia must go nuclear or go nowhere in its fight against poverty and unemployment.
In a statement yesterday, Kalaba stated that the government could not eradicate poverty or build factories in the dark.
“There’s no economy without electricity. There’s no dignity without jobs. We are tired of excuses. It’s time for action,” Kalaba stated. “Five Core Promises from CF President Kalaba: 1.Go Nuclear with Russia: Reignite Zambia’s nuclear partnership with Russia and begin construction of Africa’s biggest nuclear energy facility within 24 months, 2.Power Every District: Deliver full electricity coverage to all 116 districts — powering schools, factories, hospitals, and homes.”
He also stated CF was going to create 500,000 Jobs: generate half a million jobs in engineering, construction, energy, and manufacturing through this project and its spinoffs.
Kalaba also stated promised to stop load shedding forever by permanently ending blackouts and energy rationing that had crippled industry and households.
He also talked about exporting power and not excuses by transforming Zambia into a net exporter of clean, stable nuclear power to the SADC region.
Kalaba reminded Zambians that during his tenure as Foreign Minister, he personally signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia’s Rosatom in 2016 on behalf of the Zambian government.
“The framework included plans for a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) and eventual construction of a nuclear power plant — plans that have since stalled,” he stated.
“That agreement is gathering dust. When I get into State House, it will gather momentum.”
Kalaba cited examples like France (70 percent nuclear-powered), China, India, and Russia, which used nuclear energy to power development and lifted millions out of poverty.
“We can’t rely on hydro alone while the climate changes. We must diversify. Nuclear energy is our insurance policy,” stated Kalaba. “We can’t afford another five years of darkness and drought-induced excuses. I’ve signed the deal before, and I’ll deliver the energy this time. Zambia must win. Zambia will win.”
