President Hichilema Commissions 50MW Mabumba Solar Plant in Mansa

President Hakainde Hichilema has officially commissioned the 50-megawatt Mabumba Solar Plant in Chief Mabumba's area of Mansa, a project that will benefit more than 20,000 households and provide a significant boost to economic activity across Luapula Province.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President noted that since independence, the area had relied almost entirely on the 10MW Musonda Falls hydropower station, which fell well short of meeting local demand estimated at around 30MW. He said previous administrations had failed to prioritise energy diversification, stressing that his government has taken deliberate steps to reform the sector and broaden the country's power sources.

President Hichilema said these reforms are already delivering results, commending ZESCO Limited for successfully executing the project and the Energy Regulation Board for providing effective oversight.

"Development starts with a vision, followed by planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Nothing happens by chance," the President said.

He highlighted that the plant created jobs during construction and will continue to provide employment while supporting key sectors, including mining. It will also underpin events such as the Luapula Investment Expo and stimulate wider industrial growth in the region.

The President added that government is upgrading transmission infrastructure, including the 132KV line from Kasama to Mansa and the 130KV line from Pensulo to Mansa, to ensure that new generation reaches the households, clinics, schools and businesses that need it.

He urged citizens to safeguard national assets and warned against vandalism, which undermines development efforts.