By Mubanga Mubanga
Chama North member of parliament (PF) Yotamu Mtayachalo has urged the state to take a leading role in power generation rather than waiting for foreign investors who have let the country down.
And Mtyayachalo said the country cannot be grappling with power challenges 60 years after independence.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Revelation yesterday, Mtayachalo said there would be no meaningful economic development without a vibrant energy sector.
He said he expected President Hakainde Hichilema to address the matter as he opens parliament today.
“I think you have already mentioned the issue of load shedding. So to me, l feel that the energy sector should be given top priority as the President delivers his speech tomorrow (Friday). We can’t be grappling with power challenges more than 60 years after independence,” Mutayachalo said. “You see, so as the country, l think we know very well that without having a vibrant energy sector, we can’t talk about any meaningful economic development. So, I personally advocate that the state must play a leading role in power generation. Rather than waiting for foreign investors who have let us down.”
He said during MMD under late president Frederick Chiluba, when he worked for ZESCO, they were increasing tariffs every year, to promote private investment.
“But those investors never came. You see, they never came. These investors don’t want to invest in projects which have a long term return on investment. They want to invest in infrastructure which has a short return on investment. So as a country, we must play a leading role,” he said.
On mining, Mtayachalo said President Hichilema must give guidance on how the country would benefit from the mining sector.
“And also the mining sector, you know the mining sector is a backbone of our economy. So we want to see to it that Zambians drive maximum economic benefits from their mineral wealthy,” said Mtayachalo. “So the President must give guidance on how we are going to benefit more from our mines, because currently, we are not benefiting much from our mineral wealth.”
