Understanding the sudden uptick in electricity supply in ‘kombonis’

By Daily Revelation Editor

We are wondering if the predicted uptick in electricity supply ahead of the 2026 general election has happened sooner than expected, particularly in the so-called kombonis.

We are getting information that there has been what appears to be a sudden boom in the enjoyment of electricity supply in the so-called kombonis, such as Kanyama, Mtendere and several other areas, while reducing further on supply generation in the so-called mayadis, where people are mostly being punished with only about 3-4 hours of electricity daily, mainly when they are fast asleep between 01:00 hours and 04:00 hours in the morning.

Is this just mere coincidence, where there is probably a sudden outpouring of mercy by those in government to the most vulnerable people in these densely populated communities, which make up huge voting numbers during elections? Is the government engaged in some positive discrimination where they feel the most vulnerable should be provided with more electricity supply, as most of those in the so-called mayadis can afford to install solar power? If this is the case, why so sudden? And why has the realization come through at this very late stage of the crippling blackouts that have been going on for the past two years running?

It is also important to note that this improved supply in the so-called kombonis is coming at a time when the utility company has announced a further reduction in electricity supply from the seven hours daily, the most enjoyed in the last two years, to five hours. Clearly, there is something very highly questionable about the sudden changes. The assumption could be that the government is already in campaign mode, and therefore they are increasing electricity supply in the so-called kombonis because these areas are densely populated and offer a huge return in terms of the vote numbers. Therefore, the government feels obliged to immediately embark on cleaning the house now so that by the time the campaign season heats up, the people in these so-called kombonis will have forgotten about the inconveniences of the crippling blackouts.

However, those enjoying improved services should not quickly rejoice as the same may not necessarily be done to their interest, but in order to get something precious from them. Once that has been gotten they will be left to rot in further punishing blackouts.

And they should not rejoice that while they are enjoying this sudden uptick in supply, their fellow so-called mayadi brothers and sisters are wallowing in blackouts, and do not even remember the last time they enjoyed electricity in their homes as the same is only restored to them when they are fast asleep in the night.

If the improved supply in some so-called kombonis is genuine, then it must touch the whole country generally. Zambians demand improved supply that was promised to them and that should be afforded to them by those they elected into office. Introducing discriminatory practices for the sole purposes of projecting some semblance of normalcy in some so-called kombonis is not leadership. It is cheap electioneering clothed in cheating.

Improve electricity supply to all, not just because you are targeting the huge numbers in the so-called kombonis to win their votes and punish them with further blackouts when they have re-elected you back into power.