ERB approves over $971 million worth of projects

Economic expert Trevor Hambayi has described the K18.4 billion Energy Regulation Board Approval of 23 Licences and 20 construction permits to be positive as it will help increase operations in the energy sector.

This follows the Energy Regulation Board ERB approving 23 Licences and 20 construction permits and inclusions to Licences representing approximately K18.4 billion ($971.5 million). Further, out of the 23 Licences approved, two will cover the manufacture, supply, installation and maintenance of renewable energy generating equipment.

Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT Hambayi noted that the 2 license out of the 23 approved will critically be important in ensuring that the country has enough power. ” This move is positive especially that we want the energy sector to work to be able to drive and ensure that the country has got enough power that we need to facilitate operation for business and households,” said Hambayi.

Hambayi emphasized the need to ensure that part of the investments are owned by local individuals and help the country’s energy sector to transition to increasing power generation. ” We need to ensure that part of these investments are locally owned and part of this energy will help in transitioning and developing the energy sector moving towards the 10,000 megawatts power production,” said Hambayi.

He further noted that having investments in the energy sectors which are directly from local Zambians will ensure that every ordinary Zambian benefits.

Article by Justine Phiri